‘Fluffy’ Meatloaf and Broiled Fruit — How Do Betty Crocker’s Original Recipes Measure Up Today?
Growing up, I remember seeing a bright red book standing out among the other cookbooks my mom kept in a pantry. It was a Betty Crocker Cookbook — which my mom claims is the only reason she knows how to do anything in the kitchen — and I loved flipping through the vibrant photos and imagining how each dish might taste.
As an adult, when I started getting more interested in cooking my own meals rather than relying on takeout and microwavable options, I immediately thought back to that cookbook. I’m also someone who’s always been nostalgic for parts of the past I never lived in, like the 1950s and ‘60s. So rather than having my mom ship me her book, I nabbed my own copy of the original 1950 version, Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book ($20.86, Amazon).
Inspired a bit by the film Julie & Julia, I decided to embark on a cooking project where I remake these classic recipes. I even made a night of it by inviting some friends over to taste test the dishes and let me know how they thought they measured up after so many years.
Take a look to see how Betty Crocker’s original 1950 recipes look when whipped up today!
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