Tag: 1960's Recipes

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini

by Andi Cohen-Rabiner ♥ 2 Comments

A Recipe from Betty Crocker’s Dinner in a Dish Cookbook (1965)

About the Recipe

This is one of those recipes that all of a sudden starts to come together and smell amazing as you’re cooking it. It was so quick and simple (don’t let the roux scare you!) and super tasty and comforting on a chilly northeastern night.

Becky and I substituted frozen peas for the mushrooms to great success. I would actually say that you can sub in any veggie here that you’d like and it’ll be equally as tasty. We also added some extra mozzarella to the top. because – why not? And finishing it off in the broiler is definitely the perfect finishing touch.

For more recipes from my Weekend at Becky’s click here!

About the book

When I got to Becky’s house this time around, I was presented with a big, silver-wrapped box. Inside that box was a cornucopia of vintage cookbooks, this one included. I was so excited to see this particular book mixed in with the rest. I’ve been eyeing these Betty Crocker books for awhile and I’m so excited to have it.

Any Meal in a Dish book is good to have on your shelf – this one is great. If the recipes don’t get you, the gorgeous mid-century modern illustrations will. If nothing else, if you see this book give yourself a few minutes to thumb through and enjoy.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream
2 T sherry
7 oz. spaghetti, broken into small pieces, cooked and drained
2 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1 can (3 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 350*F. Melt butter over low heat. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and cream. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil 1 min. Add sherry. Stir in spaghetti, chicken, and mushrooms. Pour into a square baking dish, 8x8x2″. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 30 min. or until bubbly in center. If desired, brown top by placing briefly under broiler. Garnish with parsley and green olives, if desired.

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Baked Fillets of Haddock or Cod with Potatoes

Baked Fillets of Haddock or Cod with Potatoes

by Andi Cohen-Rabiner ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A Recipe from The Art of Dutch Cooking (1961)

About the Recipe

I’ve always been a bit hesitant to try cooking white, flaky fish. I have no good reason why, other than no one ever taught me how to cook it, so I’m relying simply on the recipe. The good news is – this is a great, easy to follow recipe.

This particular try was a lesson in the quarantine classic – make it work with what’s on hand. I used small potatoes and ended up substituting plain yogurt for the sour cream. I mixed in some shallots with the single onion that I had on hand. Lo and behold – it definitely works. The top is a nice, fluffy soufflé with a little crisp from the breadcrumbs. The inside is like a flaky fish stew, savory and delicious. This one will go into regular rotation for sure.

About the Book

This is a newer book to my shelves, and I was so delighted when it came and was even better than I had thought. The illustrations are so beautiful. Take a deeper look at it here:

From the two fisherman to their fishing basket, the details are just so lovely. While the recipes are a little bit vague, the book is wonderful. I love learning about a culture through their food, and this book is perfect for that kind of journey.

About the Glassware

Officially this dish is called the Deluxe Cinderella Casserole dish, but most folks call the pattern Golden Hearts. It was released only in 1959 and in its full set comes with a lid (not pictured) and a cradle with a double candle warmer. A dream for any aspiring hostess!

This was a gift from a close friend to warm my new home and kitchen. Lucky me – when she brought it over it was filled with her signature mashed potatoes. YUM!

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 onions, chopped
3 T butter
6 fillets of haddock or cod
1 pound potatoes
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
Bread crumbs

Directions:

Fry the onions in the butter. Flatten out the fish. Boil the potatoes for 10 minutes and slice them. Put in a greased ovenproof dish a layer of fish, cover with a layer of potatoes and some of the fried onions; then a layer of fish, and so forth. End with a layer of potatoes. Beat the eggs with the salt for a few minutes. Add the sour cream and pour over the fish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake in a moderate oven (350*F) for about 3/4 hour. Any kind of fish can be used for this recipe.

 

Pork Chops, South Seas

Pork Chops, South Seas

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A Recipe from Simple Hawaiian Cookery (1964)

About the Recipe

Pork chops are one of my husband’s favorite things to eat, and in truth this is the first time I’ve ever cooked them. This recipe, with its simple execution and easy to find ingredients felt like a good place to start. And actually – it was!

The slow cooking on the pork chops almost stews them so they come out super juicy. The fruit slow cooks into the chops themselves, bringing out a simple sweetness that’s so complimentary to the pork. Definitely a winner here.

One adjustment from me: I substituted half the water out for juice from the can of pineapples.

To make the gravy (just in case!) add about a teaspoon of flour plus a little more as needed and stir it in to thicken.

About the Book

I saw this book in a store and thought – how freaking cute! It’s part of a large (very large) set of cookbooks put out by publisher Peter Pauper in the ’60s. All of the books are this cute, with great illustrations and even better recipes. If you see a Peter Pauper book, snap it up! It’s a great addition to the shelf.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

4 loin pork chops
salt and pepper
Flour
4 slices canned pineapple
4 pitted prunes
4 carrots
1/3 cup water

Directions:

Wipe chops and season with salt and pepper. Dust with flour, and place in pan. Upon each chop place a ring of pineapple with a pitted prune in the center. Between chops, place whole carrots, and add water.

Cover. Cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours. Remove to hot platter. Make a gravy from mixture in pan. Pour over chops. Garnish with parsley. Serves 4.

 

Basic Red Sauce

Basic Red Sauce

by Andi Cohen-Rabiner ♥ 2 Comments

A Recipe from The New York Times Cookbook (1961)

About the Recipe

When I was gifted this cookbook, I did what I always do when I get a clearly well-loved tome – I let it fall open to see where it landed. And it landed on this sauce.

As with most oft made recipes, this one has a ton of notes around it, and they’re all phenomenal. Here’s a close-up of it:

I made it fairly close to as written with the notes adjustments. I also threw in some fresh basil, and I did add a little extra salt.

All in all – if you’re looking for a good red sauce recipe, you can’t miss with this one. I used it to make this Eggplant Parmesan from the Italian Cookbook (1956) pictured above – YUM!

About the Book

I was gifted this book by someone close to me. It belonged to their grandmother, and was one an every day cookbook. And in all honesty, I completely understand why. Even today, the New York Times recipes are wonderful, so it’s no surprise that this book delights at every turn.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3 T olive oil
3 1/2 cups canned Italian-style plum tomatoes, undrained (lg. can)
2 small cans tomato paste
2 cups water or meat broth, approximately
1 bay leaf
1/2 t salt (no added salt per note)
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1/2 t oregano, or 1/4 t each oregano and basil

Directions:

Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until brown, stirring often. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about two hours. Add more water as necessary.

Add the oregano and continue cooking about fifteen minutes. Remove the bay leaf. The sauce should be thick. Serve over cooked spaghetti or use as an ingredient in such dishes as eggplant parmigiana, meat loaf, soups and stews.

Potato Kugel (Meat)

Potato Kugel (Meat)

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A Recipe from Grandma’s Kosher Recipes (1968)

About the Recipe

The same way that every Italian family has its own red sauce, every Jewish family has its own kugel recipe. Full disclosure – this is not my family’s recipe, but it is really freaking good.

This is the kind of recipe that could be adapted for any occasion. Do you need it to go with a kosher milk meal? Just use oil instead of smaltz. Do you need it to be kosher for Passover? Substitute the flour for potato starch or a very fine matzo meal and you’re set! This versatile dish is perfect for every table.

For more recipes from my Weekend at Becky’s click here!

About the book

This book belonged to my great-aunt Martha on my mom’s side of the family. It came to Becky by way of her mom. How it got into Becky’s mom’s hands? No idea. But there we go.

Dinners with Aunt Martha and Grandma Koppelman (Abigail or Gail to those who knew her) were full of warmth and joy. Making this dish and smelling the potatoes and smaltz as it cooked brought me back to Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Salisbury, MD.

Two days ago was Grandma’s yartzeit (anniversary of her death). While she passed away 4 years ago, she’s still present in every family meal and gathering. To the Holt sisters in heaven – Abigail, Edith, & Martha – we remember you.

About the glassware

We made the kugel in a vintage Pyrex 232 lasagna pan. It’s one of those great dishes that was passed from person to person and ultimately mother to daughter and no one can quite remember where in the family it came from.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

5 potatoes
1 onion
salt & pepper
3 T smaltz (chicken fat) or oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup oil for pan

Directions:

Grate potatoes and 1 onion, add salt and pepper, melt chicken fat and add, beat eggs and add, then flour. Mix well. Pour oil in bottom of pan and pour kugel in. Bake 1 hour or until brown at 375*F. Serve hot.

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Tuna Salad Crescent Bake

Tuna Salad Crescent Bake

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A Recipe from 100 Bake-Off Recipes…from the 20th annual Bake-Off (1969)

About the Recipe

When I first saw this recipe, I thought – oh that looks like one that will become a staple! And don’t get me wrong, it’s really good, it just needs a few adjustments. Give this one a try for sure, but half the amount of mayo and half the amount of cottage cheese and you should be good. I actually liked this one a little bit better cold, but it would have been marvelous hot if it hadn’t been so wet.

Another note – I might try this in a 9″ pie dish next time. I’m guessing that the crescent rolls used to be packaged a little bit differently, because this certainly wasn’t close to a square.

For more recipes in the Pillsbury Challenge, click here!

About the book

It seemed appropriate to use this very American cookbook on the 4th of July. Something about 1969 screams stars and stripes throughout cultural references to the time, and certainly this book with it’s “GREAT AMERICAN EVENT” on the inside cover stands as the same.

One more note on this one – Ann Pillsbury, our wonderful cookbook narrator has been replaced! Further research reveals that Ann Pillsbury, much like Betty Crocker, never really existed in the first place. “Ann” could be a reference to Charles Alfred Pillsbury’s wife, Mary Ann (pure speculation, I have found no research to support this).

At any rate, she disappears for Bake-Off #20 being replaced by the Director of the Pillsbury Consumer Service Kitchens, Barbara Thornton. This, like the cookbook title, continues to evolve over the next few books. Stay tuned!

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 can (8 oz.) Pillsbury Refrigerated Quick Crescent Dinner Rolls
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c salad dressing or mayonnaise (NOTE: Use half this amount for less mushy dish)
6 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1 family-size can (9 1/4 oz) chunk style tuna, drained
1 c peas*
1 c creamed cottage cheese (NOTE: Use half this amount for less mushy dish)
6 slices processed American cheese
1/2 c soda cracker crumbs
Paprika

Directions:

Unroll crescent dough and place in an ungreased 9-inch square or 12×8-inch (2 qt.) baking dish. Press over bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides to form a crust. In small mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs with Parmesan cheese. Spread half of egg-cheese mixture over crust. Set aside remaining mixture for topping.

In large mixing bowl, combine salad dressing, hard cooked eggs, tuna, peas, and cottage cheese; mix well. Spoon mixture into crust; spread evenly. Top with cheese slices. Spread remaining egg-cheese mixture over cheese slices. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs and paprika.

Bake at 400*F for 20-30 minutes until light golden brown. Serve warm or cold.

Betty Browns

Betty Browns

by Andi Cohen-Rabiner ♥ 3 Comments

A Recipe from Bake-Off Cook Book From the 19th annual Bake Off (1968)

About the Recipe

Imagine brownies – but apple cinnamon flavored. That’s what you get with this yummy dessert. There’s not a ton of direction in this recipe, but I used the regular baking rules – cream the butter and sugar, add the egg, sift together dry ingredients, add dry to wet – and it seemed to work well.

I didn’t quite get the dry crumb in the picture. As a matter of fact, these are super moist. I would almost leave them in the pan and eat them like brownies rather than cutting them into bars in the future. I definitely agree with the note – having these warm with a small scoop of vanilla is delightful!

For more recipes in the Pillsbury Challenge, click here!

About the book

Year 19 of the Bake Off is notable as the divisions expanded from just junior and senior into something a little more “modern” – Flour, Convenience Mix, and Refrigerated Fresh Dough – representing “the latest trends in cooking methods, eating habits, and even tastes.” And representing for me personally increased challenge in finding the exact pre-fabricated ingredients being asked for in a lot of these recipes.

That said, these definitely start to skew toward a much simpler cook. This recipe I threw together in 10 minutes before it went into the oven. Lovely!

About the glassware

I don’t get to use this Pink Daisy Divided Dish enough! I got my hands on it pre-Mrs. Maisel, and thank goodness because it’s much harder to find now and I really love it.

And a side note – that’s my calico gal, Leia in the photo. Always trying to photo bomb…

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 t soda
1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1 t cinnamon
2 cups thinly sliced or finely chopped peeled apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except apples and nuts.** Mix in apples and nuts. Spread batter into greased 9″ square pan. Bake at 350* for 35-40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Cut into bars.

**Not in the original recipe, but follow normal baking rules: Cream butter and sugar. Add egg. Sift together dry ingredients and add gradually to wet ingredients.

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Shrimp Sandwich Roll

Shrimp Sandwich Roll

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A Recipe from …from the 18th annual Bake-Off Bake-Off Cook Book (1967)

About the Recipe

I couldn’t resist the urge to make this weird savory roll, and while it was a lot of fun, I probably won’t make it again. I’m not sure how the original maker got that wonderful pink color in hers, but in modern times we are less generous with the Red 5 food dye.

Also an interesting challenge – pimento cheese spread is no longer at the popularity level that it had been in the ’60’s. My only option was a fancy pimento cheese spread with actual shreds of cheese in it. It did the trick, but was a bit more challenging to spread.

Full disclosure – I redacted a word from the title of this dish. While it may have been socially acceptable in 1967, it’s not acceptable now.

For more recipes in the Pillsbury Challenge, click here!

About the book

There are some lovely illustrations in this book. I find it interesting how focused it is on the family matriarch still being the leader in taking care of the home and cooking the meals. In this illustration inside of the front cover, this mom has a full on outfit change from going out in the day and being with her husband at home. Such an interesting lens from which to view the world.

About the glassware

I had intended to use a different platter for this dish… but then there’s that moment when you roll up your dish and say “honey, grab the platter, quick!” and you end up with your Butterfly Gold Corelle. Oh well!

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

5 eggs, separated
1/2 t cream of tartar
2 T sugar
1/4 c water
3/4 c flour
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1 t parsley flakes
10 large stuffed green olives
5 oz. jar pasteurized process cheese spread with pimiento

Filling:
2 4.5 oz. cans shrimp, drained
8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 T lemon juice
1/2 c chopped pecans
1/2 c crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 c (5 oz. can) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
1/2 t salt

Directions:

Grease bottom of 15×10 inch jelly roll pan, line with waxed paper and grease again. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar in large mixer bowl at high speed of mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar; continue beating until stiff but not dry.

Combine all remaining ingredients except olives and cheese spread in small mixer bowl. Mix at low speed just until blended. By hand, fold egg yolk mixture in to egg whites. Spread in pan. Bake at 400*F for 10-12 minutes. Invert onto wire rack; remove waxed paper. Spread with Filling. Place olives along one 10-inch side. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Spread with cheese spread. Refrigerate.

Filling:
Combine all ingredients in large mixer bowl. Mix just until blended.

Polynesian Buffet Chicken

Polynesian Buffet Chicken

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A Recipe from …from the 17th annual Bake-Off The Pillsbury Busy Lady Bake-Off Recipes (1966)

About the Recipe

I love a good chicken recipe, and this one is definitely a winner. I actually cut this recipe in half, which was more than enough for my husband and I for dinner and leftovers. Even halving the recipe though there was way too much batter for my 4+ lbs. of chicken thighs.

That said, it was a crunchy, delicious recipe with a lovely seasoning balance. I’ll definitely make it again.

For more recipes in the Pillsbury Challenge, click here!

About the book

It’s 1966 and America has launched into Hawaii MANIA! There are at least 6 of the recipes in this book of only 100 that are Hawaii’n / Polynesian / tropical island themed. The rise of Elvis’s tropical movies surely had something to do with it.

This book is also notable for the launch of the bundt pan with the prize winning Tunnel of Fudge cake. Which, while I would have loved to make it required an ingredient that’s fairly difficult to find in my local stores. I’ll keep it on the back burner for now, but if you’re a nerd about kitchen history like I am read more about the cake and the bundt pan here.

About the glassware

Once again, I love a chance to get out my Corelle Butterfly Gold platter. It seemed like the right color combo for this tropical dish.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 broiler-fryer chickens, cut into serving pieces
1 cup flour
1-2 t salt
1 t pepper
1-2 t paprika
1-2 t cinnamon
1-2 t ginger
1-2 t nutmeg
16 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 egg
2 c shredded coconut
1/2 c butter, melted
8 oz can pineapple slices, cut into quarters

Directions:

Line two 13×9 baking pans with foil; brush with butter; Wash and drain chicken; sprinkle generously with salt.

In mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, crushed pineapple and egg; beat until well blended. Dip chicken pieces in batter. Place in pan. Sprinkle with coconut; drizzle with melted butter.

Bake at 350*F for 40 minutes. Remove from oven; top with pineapple quarters. Bake 40 minutes longer. If chicken browns too rapidly, cover with foil.

Sweet Applets

Sweet Applets

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A Recipe from From Pillsbury’s 15th Grand National – 100 NEW Bake-Off Recipes (1964)

About the Recipe

Just as every great banana bread recipe is mostly banana, this totally scrumptious take on an apple muffin is mostly apple. The result of the recipe and the insane amount of shredded apple is a super moist, tender crumb nestled under a slightly crunchy top. YUM! 10/10 this recipe is going right into breakfast rotation!

For more recipes in the Pillsbury Challenge, click here!

About the book

Yet again we’re getting a lovely progression of easy recipes that all look stunningly delicious. The ’60s are such a delightful time for home cooking. It’s like everyone decided to start to get adventurous at once. If anyone has any historical context for why this progression happened, I’d love to read more on it. #cookingnerd

About the glassware

I rarely get a chance to use my split-dishes, so it was fun to pull this out of the cupboard. In all truth, the cradle belongs to another dish, but I love the ultra-mod feel of it with these ’60s desserts. The dish itself is a Snack Server or Compass promotional dish from 1959. Is it possible that these Applets have been served in it before?!

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c flour
2 t double-acting baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c shortening
1 egg
1/3 c milk
1 1/2 c pared, shredded apple
1/4 c butter, melted
1/2 c sugar
1 t cinnamon

Directions:

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Add sugar gradually to shortening, creaming well. Blend in the unbeaten egg; mix well.

Add milk alternately with dry ingredients. Stir in apple.

Fill well-greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400*F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool 10 minutes. Dip in melted butter, then roll in mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Serve warm or cold.