Applesauce Gems

Applesauce Gems

A Recipe from The Art of Making Good Cookies Plain and Fancy (1963)

About the Recipe

Are you drowning in apples from a beautiful day apple picking? Are you looking for the perfect autumn cookie to bring to your next bake sale? Do you have little patience for complex cookie recipes? Have I got a cookie for you.

This was a super simple, and wonderfully delicious recipe. And turns out – it’s totally vegan and allergen free!

A few quick notes to ensure that these come out great:

  • I decided to make a quick applesauce when I had an abundance of apples and none in my pantry. If you decide to do the same (highly recommended), use a flavorful apple (honeycrisp, pink lady, a mix of red delicious and granny smith if you must go basic), a pinch of salt, and about a tablespoon of sugar. There’s a ton of flavor that will come from the rest of the cookie, and you can always add additional spice to your sauce later.
  • I used a tablespoon sized cookie scoop and got almost exactly 5 dozen cookies.
  • I went with mixed raisins for this one, but I can definitely see how some candied orange peel or even currants or craisins would have done well in this recipe.
  • As always, substituting softened butter for your shortening will do fine in this recipe. Use a 1:1 ratio.
  • Substituting a pie spice mix for the same amount of nutmeg and cinnamon (2 teaspoons total) will add some richness and variation.

As this book notes, this is a fairly plain, but utterly delicious cookie. Well worth the bake this time of year.

About the book

This is a brand new book to my library, and gosh I just can’t wait to dig into it again. It’s literally a mid-century cookie primer. It has some truly interesting and different recipes. And I love all of the little diagrams, tips, and tricks designed to help an amateur baker make a successful cookie. I’ll share more when this book comes back around.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup cold coffee
1 cup applesauce
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 t baking soda
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t nutmeg
1 t cinnamon
1 cup light seedless raisins or candied diced fruit
1 cup currants or dark seedless raisins

Directions:

Cream shortening and sugar well. Add coffee and applesauce. Sift together dry ingredients and blend in, adding fruits last. Bake on lightly greased baking sheet at 375*F about 10 minutes (I baked mine for about 13) To keep soft, store in airtight container. 5 dozen

German Sweet Chocolate Cake

German Sweet Chocolate Cake

A Recipe from Florence Jones’ Recipe Box (19??)

About the Recipe

There are a few core memories that pop up when I think about going to Grandma in Washington’s house growing up. There are the walls covered with family photographs. There are the artifacts from her travels all over the world. But more than almost anything else, there’s German Chocolate Cake.

Every time we had a family celebration or holiday, especially one that had to do with my father, my grandma made a German Chocolate Cake. She made hers with two layers. Take a minute and check out the recipe. 3 layers. There are 3 layers in that recipe. We endlessly gave her a hard time about it. She laughed it off with her usual “oh, shit!” knowing that we were going to love the cake no matter the number of layers.

Indeed, this was the cake that she was best known for. In all the years that she made it, I kept asking for the recipe. Her answer was always no. “It came off the back of the box, Andi! It’s nothing special.”

My grandma passed away on September 14, 2025 at the age of 94. A few years ago, she gifted me her recipe boxes and her cookbooks, as well as most of her pans. When I received the news of her passing, the first thing I wanted to do was bake this cake. I found the recipe card stuffed in one of her recipe boxes. And y’know – it was right off the back of the box!

This cake is a labor of love. It’s a little bit tricky, and the icing takes an awfully long time to get just right, but it’s worth it.

Some tips from my time making it and all the years of Grandma serving it:

  • The layers freeze exceptionally well. She always had a few spare layers and frosting waiting in the freezer. Let everything thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and you’re good to go.
  • The icing takes awhile to get just right. I stirred for about 25 minutes until I got the right color and thickness.
  • For your eggs: Separate them when they’re cold, then let them come to room temperature before baking.
  • I used butter; Grandma used margarine (so that the cake is kosher pareve). Both work.
  • There are enough egg whites leftover from the icing to make a delicious meringue.
  • Always double the icing. A thick layer in the cake serves well, and people always want to nibble the extra.

For more recipes from my family recipe box, check out my Recipes from Grandma page.

About the book

A quick note to say that the recipe on the back of the current Baker’s German Chocolate is slightly different than this one. I didn’t try that one, so I can’t speak to it.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 package (4 ounces) Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 egg yolks
1 t vanilla
2 cup buttermilk
4 egg whites

COCONUT-PECAN FILLING AND FROSTING:
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) margarine or butter
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 1/2 t vanilla
1 package (7 ounces) Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut (about 2 2/3 cups)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

Heat oven to 350*F. Line bottoms of 3 9-inch round cake pans with wax or parchment paper.

Heat chocolate and water in heavy 1-quart saucepan on very low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

Mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat margarine and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate mixture and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition until smooth.

Beat egg whites in another large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir into batter. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched in center. Immediately run spatula between cakes and sides of pans. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans. Remove wax paper. Cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Coconut-Pecan Frosting between layers and over top of cake. Makes 12 servings.

COCONUT-PECAN FILLING AND FROSTING

Mix milk, sugar, margarine, egg yolks, and vanilla in large saucepan. Cook and stir on medium heat about 12 minutes or until thickened and golden brown (it took me about 25 minutes before the color and texture were right). Remove from heat. 

Stir in coconut and pecans. Beat until cool and of spreading consistency

Makes about 4 1/4 cups.

Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Cupcakes

A Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Dessert Cookbook (1968)

About the Recipe

When I volunteered to bring a dessert to an upcoming barbecue with friends, it should be noted that: 1. No one was surprised. And 2. I had no idea what I was going to bring. I have a friend with a tree-nut allergy and most mid-century baking requires some kind of tree nut. But then I found this little gem – all peanuts all the time.

These little guys turned out light and fluffy, and super peanut-buttery savory. I can see why the recipe says “Tops for a small-fry party –.” They were a total hit with kids and adults alike.

I used peanut-butter on a few of them, but most were topped with my own strawberry jelly buttercream. A kind of do-it yourself recipe that I made for the moment. I creamed together the butter and strawberry jam, then slowly added the powdered sugar until it was the right texture. And I did it grandma style – measuring with my heart.

Check out my step by step video for more tips and tricks below!

About the book

I know I’ve waxed poetic about this cookbook before. It’s one of my favorites. I can honestly say that it has a dessert for every occasion, and it’s never let me down. I noticed as I was going through my cookbooks, that I actually have a first printing of this book from 1960 that my grandma gave me (yes, that grandma). I’ll have to start experimenting to see how they differ.

If you grab this book, have faith in it! Go for one of the weird recipes, like this one. You’ll probably surprise yourself (and hopefully your enthusiastic taste-testers!).

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup shortening
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups sifted enriched rlour
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3/4 c milk

Directions:

Cream together peanut butter, shortening and vanilla. Gradually add brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. 

Sift together dry ingredients; add alternately with milk.

Place paper bake cups in muffin pans; fill 1/2 full. Bake in moderate oven (375*F) 20 minutes or until done.

“Frost” with peanut butter. Sift a small dot of confectioners’ sugar atop each.

(For Andi’s Strawberry Jam buttercream, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with about 1/2 cup strawberry jam. Add powdered sugar until the texture is right.)

Makes about 2 dozen.

The Video!

Enjoy this step-by-step video chock full of tips and tricks to make your peanut butter cupcakes come out magnificently!

Cocoa Meringues

Cocoa Meringues

A Recipe from Hershey’s Recipes (1949)

About the Recipe

As soon as this little advertising booklet arrived in the mail, I started reading it through. I’m not a big chocolate person, but I did grow up just outside of Hershey. As a result, I’m discerning in what chocolate recipes I’ll consider making. As soon as I saw the cocoa meringues, I knew it was one I wanted to try.

Vinegar does a ton of leg work in stabilizing generally delicate meringues. It’s one of the “family secrets” that people pass down from when grandma taught them how to make a good meringue. I was so excited to see it as part of this recipe. Hershey’s clearly wants you to be successful. I also did some quick research on what “Hershey’s Breakfast Cocoa” actually was. Long story short – it’s unsweetened cocoa powder. Grab whatever you have available, as long as it’s not hot cocoa mix.

Check out the video for some additional tips and tricks!

About the book

These little advertising booklets always get me. The recipes are usually so good (they want you to buy more, after all). Having grown up just outside of Hershey, I couldn’t resist snapping this one up when I saw it. There are a few Hershey’s booklets out there, as well as some reprints and updates. Beware the one from the 1970’s! It comes with that “low-fat, low-sugar, low-salt” mentality which just breaks so many of these amazing recipes.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

3 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 Tablespoon vinegar
3 1/2 Tablespoons Hershey’s Breakfast Cocoa (any unsweetened cocoa powder will work here)

Directions:

Beat egg whites until very stiff. Add sugar gradually, beating constantly. Add vanilla and vinegar, continuing the beating. Then beat for 5 minutes.

Stir in cocoa.

Drop by spoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet which has been covered with waxed paper. Bake in a very slow oven (275 degrees F.) for 1/2 hour or until dry.

Makes about 3 dozen.

The Video!

Enjoy this step-by-step video chock full of tips and tricks to make your meringue cookies come out magnificently!

Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft Molasses Cookies

A Recipe from Hamilton Beach Food Mixer Instructions and Tested Recipes (1948)

About the Recipe

On a bright Mother’s Day morning, I was in a rush to get something in the oven. We were already starting to run late to a picnic and I wanted something easy to make and bring. This little Hamilton Beach booklet was sitting so invitingly on my counter, and something about a molasses cookie felt like exactly the right choice.

This recipe is designed to be made fully in your mixer – one bowl, one paddle, done! While usually I like to be a little more process oriented and precise, I decided to trust the process. The combination of buttermilk and baking soda created a fluffy, cake-like cookie. I substituted real maple syrup for the molasses without a problem. If you’re a ginger cookie fan, this easy recipe should suit you fine.

About the book

The Hamilton Beach booklet came from a close friend who saw it and grabbed it for me. It originally came with the Hamilton Beach Food Mixer and was created in collaboration with the College of Home Economics at Syracuse University. The goal, of course, being – use your mixer! I’ll let the rest of the booklet speak for itself…

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted flour
1 t soda
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 t ginger
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
1 egg, unbeaten
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup shortening, soft

Directions:

*A quick note from your author: I’ve simplified this recipe for a modern mixer. Please see the image above (or message me) if you’d like the original

Preliminary: Preheat oven to baking temperature (350 degrees F). Have all ingredients at room temperature.

Sift into your mixer bowl flour, [baking] soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Add in the rest of the ingredients (brown sugar, egg, molasses, buttermilk, and shortening). Beat at speed 3 for 3 minutes. Thoroughly mix all ingredients. Stop beater.

Baking: Drop by teaspoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes.

Calumet Muffins

Calumet Muffins

A Recipe from The Calumet Book of Oven Triumphs! (1934)

About the Recipe

There’s nothing like a basic muffin recipe with loads of variations to have in one’s back pocket. This one is fabulous to have at the ready for whatever fun fillings you’d like to put inside. It’s more on the savory side than sweet, making it a perfect base recipe to play with.

A few quick notes about my variation:

  • Strawberries were on sale this week, so I used a cup of 1/4″ diced strawberries as the flavor profile. A quick toss in a little bit (less than a teaspoon) of flour kept them floating rather than sinking during baking.
  • If you’re going to use butter, make sure to let your milk and egg come to room temperature. This wouldn’t have been an issue in 1934, but certainly was in 2025. Oops. I ended up using vegetable oil, which worked just fine.
  • For the future, I’ll probably add a little bit of spice here. It’s a very plain muffin, which is great as a base, but not so exciting overall.

In the end, Maxx gave these a very enthusiastic thumbs up. Fresh out of the oven with a little bit of butter, they were absolutely divine.

About the book

I’ve had this little booklet lurking in my collection for awhile. The Calumet Baking Powder company put out this little booklet a few times over the 1930’s and the recipes are great. They’re easy to follow, and designed to be delicious. After all, the better the recipe, the more times you’ll make it. And the more times you make it, the more baking powder you’ll use. *wink!*

I love the tips and tricks to help make sure that the home baker is successful. It brings everything down to earth and makes it all so simple. Enjoy Calumet’s art deco design and tips for success:

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted flour
2 t baking powder
2 T sugar
1/2 t salt
1 egg, well beaten
1 cup milk
4 T melted butter or other shortening
1 cup 1/4″diced strawberries (optional)

Directions:

Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder, sugar, and salt, and sift again (or combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine). Combine egg, milk, and shortening. Add to flour, beating only enough to dampen all flour. Fold in fruit if using. Bake in greased muffin pans in hot oven (425*F) 25 minutes, or until done. Makes 12 muffins.

Lemon Crisp

Lemon Crisp

A Recipe from Favorite Recipes of America Desserts (1968)

About the Recipe

If you’ve been with my blog for awhile, you’ll know that I love a recipe that tricks me into making something fancy that I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise. This time, it was a beautiful lemon curd.

This recipe is magnificent. It’s tart and crunchy and absolutely perfect with the whipped cream on top. It would make a great make-ahead for a dinner party. I re-heated it in the warming drawer in my oven. The hubs and I even nibbled on it the next day. How was it? Still good.

One important note on this recipe to make sure it’s successful: Make sure that you have your mise en place set up and ready to go before you start working on the stove. You will not have time (or hands) to measure as you go on this one.

About the book

This book is one in a set of 5. I actually found a different book out of this set first (Casseroles. Don’t judge, I’m a fan). When I saw the full set on the shelf in my favorite antiques store, I had to have it.

The books are like a nationwide community cookbook. The submissions are clearly folks’ favorites. Typically they’re easy to make and every one I’ve tried has turned out well. They’re truly a look into kitchen favorites during this time period.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

6 T butter or margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup sifted flour
3/4 t salt (divided)
1/3 cup flaked coconut
3/4 cup finely crushed saltine crackers
3/4 cup white sugar
2 T cornstarch
1 cup hot water
2 beaten egg yolks
1/2 t grated lemon peel
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions:

Cream butter and brown sugar; add flour, soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, coconut and crackers. Press half crumb mixture into 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350*F for 10 minutes. 

In saucepan combine white sugar, cornstarch and remaining salt; gradually stir in water. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; boil about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks. Return to pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in lemon peel and juice gradually. Pour over baked crust; top with remaining crumb mixture. 

Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Top with whipped cream. Yield: 8 servings

George Washington’s Cherry Treat

George Washington’s Cherry Treat

A Recipe from Favorite Recipes of America Desserts (1968)

About the Recipe

Here in the United States tomorrow is President’s Day! President’s Day is officially celebrated on the third Monday in February. It’s so situated because that day is always between President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th) and President George Washington’s Birthday (February 22nd). What better way to celebrate than with a cherry treat specifically for President Washington?

In truth, I was looking specifically for a cherry treat for a friend who’s “suffered” through some other fruit desserts, all while not-so-subtly hinting that cherry was her favorite. It had been a minute since I looked through this particular set of recipe books. There were several different options, but I was actively looking for something like a cobbler.

I love cobblers. They’re called “cobblers” because of the resemblance to cobblestone streets created by dropping the biscuit dough on the top. There are a few regional variations, but by and large it’s fruit filling topped with a sweet or savory biscuit. Yum!

Only three notes on this one:
1. I used frozen cherries that I let thaw on the counter and that worked just fine. If you wanted a real shortcut, grab your favorite cherry pie filling and call it a day. That said – this filling is SO GOOD.
2. Add a little spice to the biscuit dough. Some cinnamon or nutmeg will do. It adds just a little more depth to the overall taste.
3. Definitely serve this hot, but let it sit for just a few minutes out of the oven to truly set. Also a little scoop of vanilla ice cream will go a long way to elevating.

About the book

This book is one in a set of 5. I actually found a different book out of this set first (Casseroles. Don’t judge, I’m a fan). When I saw the full set on the shelf in my favorite antiques store, I had to have it.

The books are like a nationwide community cookbook. The submissions are clearly folks’ favorites. Typically they’re easy to make and every one I’ve tried has turned out well. They’re truly a look into kitchen favorites during this time period.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup sugar
2 T cornstarch
1 cup cherry juice
2 1-lb. cans of red tart cherries, drained (or 2 lbs. frozen cherries thawed and drained)
1 T butter or margarine
1/4 t cinnamon
Few drops of red food coloring

Topping:
1 cup sifted flour
2 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3 T shortening
1/2 cup milk
2 T sugar

Directions:

Combine sugar and cornstarch; add cherry juice and cook until thick. Stir in cherries, butter, cinnamon and food coloring. Pour into 8-inch square pan.

Topping:
Sift dry ingredients; cut in shortening. Add milk gradually. Mix well with fork. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cherry mixture. Sprinkle sugar over pastry. Bake at 400*F for 30 minutes. Serve hot. Yield: 6-8 servings

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles

A Recipe from Good Housekeeping’s Book of Cookies (1958)

About the Recipe

My team at work gathered together this past week. I wanted to bring something that made the meeting a little bit more sweet. This simple snickerdoodles recipe seemed just the right thing!

The combination of cream of tartar and shortening vs. baking powder and butter means that these are super crispy and airy cookies. Those who’ve read this blog for a bit know that I can get a bit nerdy about the science of it all. Baking powder, while acidic which will react with the baking soda, it also includes a basic element. Cream of tartar is pure acidity. When it comes in contact with the baking soda during baking it creates more air and bubbles in the cookies. The shortening, meanwhile, has a higher melting point than the butter. This helps the cookies to maintain those bubbles and crisp along with the shape and height. Delightful.

All of that being said, if you don’t have cream of tartar handy, you can absolutely substitute baking powder. Same with the shortening – as always, a fat is a fat is a fat is a fat. Butter will give this cookie a bit more tenderness and a hint more warmth in the flavor. Not the same, but still an absolute win.

About the book

I love the Good Housekeeping booklets. You can see some of the mid-century illustrations in my video, below. The whole book is chock full of them, and every recipe is a winner. I got these as a complete set several years ago. They’re a great go-to when I’m looking for something, but not sure quite what yet.

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 t cream of tartar
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 cup soft shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, unbeaten
2 T granulated sugar
2 t cinnamon

Directions:

Sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. With electric mixer at medium speed, or “cream” (or with spoon), thoroughly mix shortening with 1 1/2 cups sugar and eggs until very light and fluffy.

At low speed, or “blend,” beat in flour mixture until batter is dough-like; chill until easy to handle.

Start heating oven to 400*F. Form dough into walnut-size balls; roll in 2 T sugar and cinnamon, mixed. Place 2″ apart, on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until done.

The Video!

For your enjoyment, a step-by-step video. This is for sure a cooking with toddlers experience. Maxx was eager to help until… he wasn’t. But there are joyful toddler sounds throughout. Enjoy!

Fresh Blueberry Cake

Fresh Blueberry Cake

A Recipe from Better Cooking Library Dessert Cook Book (1964)

About the Recipe

I was asked to bring dessert to a small gathering of friends. They’re the best kind – ones who will try just about anything you put in front of them. What an opportunity to try a new dessert! When I saw this blueberry cake (from the Blueberry Institute, of course!) I knew I had to give it a try.

I’ve tried a few cakes like this before, where you make the batter and then the fruit goes on top. The cake kind of bakes around the fruit and it sits kind of on top once the cake is done. This was a little bit more complex, but I don’t think it needs to be.

A few tips and changes you might think about when you give this one a try:

  • Food processing the butter, flour, and sugar will make for a more even batter. I don’t have regrets about cutting the butter in by hand, but in the future I’ll go the food processor route for sure.
  • The cake was a little bit bland. A little extra seasoning mixed in with the sugar and flour after you separate out the bit for the crumb would go a long way. I recommend trying a good pie spice mix, or maybe a touch of nutmeg and allspice.
  • I didn’t have a spring-form pan readily available, so I used a pan that my grandma gave me where the bottom separates from the top. It worked just fine. If you’re having trouble getting the cake out of the pan give it a few minutes to cool. It will shrink a little bit away from the sides and you’ll have no trouble at all.
  • The recipe references a “dough” that you can push up the sides of the pan. I’m not sure who wrote that or what they did, but this is most definitely a batter and not a dough. Feel free to push to the sides, but know that it doesn’t really work and your cake will be just fine.

All in all, this was a solid dessert to bring to the gathering. A scoop of ice cream or a warm cream sauce will go a long way in finishing it off and making it the perfect dish!

About the book

I’ve been looking at this book for awhile trying to find the right moment to pull it out. While it lacks the mid-century illustrations that I love about books in this time period, the photos are delightful. It seems to be a mish-mash of recipes from various growers and associations in the United States. This recipe was from the Blueberry Institute. There’s one from banana growers and dairy farmers and all kinds of food associations I didn’t even know existed. A pretty cool book indeed!

The Recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cultivated blueberries
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 T butter
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 t baking powder
1 T butter
1 t cinnamon

Directions:

Wash cultivated blueberries and spread on paper toweling. Sprinkle with a little sugar and let dry while making batter.

In a bowl, cut butter into flour and sugar as if for a pie crust. When thoroughly mixed, take out 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside. To remainder in bowl, add eggs, milk, baking powder and vanilla. Beat thoroughly until all sugar is assimilated and batter is not grainy.

Pour batter into buttered 9-inch spring pan and work up around sides of pan to form a lining of dough. Place blueberries into hollow of batter.

To the reserved 3/4 cup of crumbs, add 1 tablespoon butter and cinnamon and work with fingers to make crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over top of berries. 

Bake in a very hot oven at 450*F for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350*F and continue baking for 20 minutes more. Serve warm or cold. Makes 8 large servings.

The Video!

For the first time, here’s a video to help guide you as you cook. I hope you enjoy it!