Bargain Book Bonanza (4)

BBB is a linky party to showcase all the great books (new, used, vintage, electronic, audio) that we book lovers score on sale.

Each Monday through Thursday, all book lovers are invited to carouse, make merry and revel with bargain book abandon!

Want to join the party? Just visit the Bargain Book Bonanza page for the particulars. 

Leslie's BBB

"I got you something. It's a book. Ey! I got you a book. It's a cookbook. I want you to make something from it."  That was what my dear hubby, Manuel, told me when he got back into the car. "There are lots of books inside. You can go check while I wait with the kids."

I had been waiting and waiting for him while he talked to his client. His client was holding a garage sale at the same time and Manuel was browsing. He always checks through any books because he knows how much I love books. I would have gone in, except that the kids by this point were very squirmy and whining pleading to go home.

I eagerly snatched the book. What could have caught his eye? It must be good! 

I burst out laughing. But pretty soon, I got engrossed...and in some cases, grossed out...with these recipes!

This book was printed in MCMXL. Right? So long ago the years weren't numbers! Oh wait. After Googling extensive research, I discovered it is 1940. Sheesh. Couldn't they just put that in the first place?

Anywho. This is supposedly the best and most typical dishes from each of the 48 (!) states.

Each state starts with a little intro about the cultural influences of the local cuisine. It's actually very interesting and enlightening. The authors seem to really enjoy these multi-cultural references.

I have to say, I have a sneaking suspicion they "exotic-fied" up the names of some recipes to make them seem more, I don't know, unusual. For example, basic bean recipes were given Native American names.

So, some recipes I found under Texas:

"Sweet Potato Chiffon Pie"...Chiffon...ooh la la! 

"Ground-Cooked Calf's Head": Buy a head with the skin on. Dig a hole wide enough to hold the head and all its wrappings, and at least 3 feet deep...

Like I said, fairly typical.  

Other recipes have some interesting instructions as well. "Hack meat slightly...";  after washing 2 cups pinto beans, "Put in a bucket which has a tight-fitting lid..";  and oven temperatures are never given - just moderate oven, medium oven, etc.  I guess temperatures were added for later "spoiled" generations!

And some recipes call for things the cook should just know, like "1 bowl standard fritter batter" - no actual ingredients listed!

Ample amounts of lard AND butter in many recipes, heavy creams, and sugar! Fantastical dishes like, Schuylkill Dandelions, Elderberry Blossom Cakes, Braised Antelope, and Midnight Cake. It almost sounds like Alice in Wonderland, doesn't it?

While I will probably never use this book, it has been a lot of fun to look through. These people ate everything! And it is fascinating what a history lesson you can receive from cookbooks. The world wars and the depression greatly influenced how Americans cooked and the food that was available. This is like stepping back in time!

  

The book was torn and not very pretty, no photos or pictures. It's actually a very ugly book, and an olive drab color. I am surprised my husband even noticed it. But I am glad he did. It's been a hoot! 

So...how much was this little gem? Well, the asking price was a DOLLAR...but somehow my dear hubby got it FREE. Yes. He did. He has no shame. He askeths and usually receiveths. 

So, my dear little Muttonettes (that's another recipe), my apologies for un-colorful pictures, but the treasure here, truly, is in the words!

Do you enjoy reading funny old cookbooks?

Can't wait to see ya'lls Bargain Book Bonanzas!