Cooking with Betty Crocker Since 1978

New and Revised Including Microwave Recipes

I learned to make pies from my Grandmother, Jeneva, but I learned to pull together meals from scratch from this cookbook.

Yes, I've had this book since it was new. The 1978 version was actually purchased to replace the one I received for a wedding gift in 1967. I did learn to cook at home, from my Mother and Grandmother. But once I was on my own, married with children, this was my handiest kitchen tool. In 1978 we were raising rabbits, cattle and had a large garden, so preparing meals with fresh items meant a lot of cooking from scratch. I love the tools in the flyleaf of the book, herbs and seasonings, the table of contents is very basic, and the fact that it gives microwave instructions makes it a classic.

I'm sure there are modern versions, but when I'm ready to make a pie for the holidays, make homemade noodles or cook up a casserole to take to an event, this is my go to standby!

I've included a few pictures of some of my most used pages as they show the wear and tear of time. I'm convinced every newly married couple should receive this or a newer version of the cookbook featured. Samples of various ways to prepare and serve vegetables, how to cut specific pieces of meat, how to bake, broil, braise and fry just about any meat imaginable, and tips for seasonings, timing of a meal, and advance preparation are all include. I'd replace this cookbook if something happened to it, it's that valuable to me.

I suppose some improvement would be to add international cooking to this book, so I may even be looking into the International Cookbook from Betty Crocker. I do a lot of Asian, Mexican and Italian cooking, but mostly with on-line recipes.