by Benjamin Box

Created on: August 16, 2007   Last Updated: July 19, 2011

Collecting vintage cookbooks can open a whole new world to you and your family. As an antique dealer and cooking enthusiast, I often run across wonderful old cookbooks at many estate sales and flea markets. There is a wealth of long forgotten knowledge still out there just waiting to be absorbed by today's cooks. There is nothing like finding your first Jello Brand cookbook or an old White House cookbook to thrill the soul. These books are such an inspiration to the jaded chef of today. After only reading a few pages, you will discover so many new ideas for food that your head will be spinning! We must remember that our fellow cooks from the past faced many challenges and were very innovative in their food preparation.

You will find hundreds of new ideas for appetizers to entrees. You will be impressing guests and family with your new found dishes. Eggs suddenly become an entree. Nothing is wasted in vintage cookbooks and you will find that the baking powder can is easily turned into a ice cream mold or used in baking bread. Once you have read a book or two you will be so full of new found knowledge that you will be able to give your friends cooking lessons. The deserts are the best. Simple ingredients create fabulous breathtaking deserts. You will find that we still use most of the ingredients in vintage cookbooks just in different ways. Food coloring, gelatin, sugar, flour, and eggs will become a staple on your shopping list for your new beautiful baking talents.

Probably one of the most interesting items found in old cookbooks are the menus they provide for holidays and special occasions. These can be the most elaborate spreads one will ever create. Stuffed turkeys to baked chickens with dressing, the holiday menu will dazzle and amaze readers. If you find cookbooks published in the late 1930's you will notice huge sections devoted to frozen and jelled items. The electric refrigerator arrived on the scene and took American cooks by storm. It was very chic to arrive at a party or surprise your guests with a congealed salad. The frozen desert served to your guests was a sign of prestige.

Regardless if you read these books for knowledge or pleasure, you will learn of time when a cook truly had to work to create wonderful meals. The tips and hints you will find to make cooking and preparation of food easier will be truly useful. Once you buy one book, you will be hooked and on the hunt for more. Good luck and happy cooking!

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