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nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Nana's CookBooks
@nanascookbooks.bsky.social
3.3K followers 340 following 1.2K posts
Recipes and menus from my Nana's Cookbooks and other older cookbooks, sometimes pictures are included.
🌎SW Michigan
📚The Modern Family Cookbook 1943
📚 Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, 1950
📚The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, 1965
📚Joy of Cooking, 1975
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nanascookbooks.bsky.social
In 1975, @joyofcooking.bsky.social recipe for a Combination Salad refers to this as Maurice Salad. I thought Maurice was a Space Cowboy, not a chef. 😉 Anyway, let's get our veggies in today with this nice, sizable Salad. What do you say?🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1975, Joy of Cooking A recipe option for a Combination Salad What various chefs call their Maurice Salad has spread like a brushfire all over America and abroad. Ours is not the original version, which was put together by a Cincinnatian; but at least the ingredients, except for the optional ones, remain fairly orthodox. Place in each of 2 sizable salad bowls: A bed of shredded crisphead lettuce Divide and arrange on the top of each: ½ cup julienned cooked chicken ½ cup julienned baked ham (10 or 12 strips julienned Swiss cheese) Add to each bowl: (1 or 2 chopped anchovies) (A few capers) Garnish with: 2 sections skinned, quartered tomatoes 2 quarters hard-cooked egg Toss with a dressing made of: ½ chopped hard-cooked egg 1 teaspoon finely chopped chives ¾ cup Mayonnaise, 363 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon chopped dill pickle or pickle relish (1 pressed clove garlic)
November 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
I think cake is a great way to start our week. This 1943 Apple Sauce Cake is perfect for the fall season, and it sounds like it gets better through the week. What do you think, does anyone want a slice to go with their breakfast? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
November 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
I hope, by now, you know what to expect with the 1943 Sunday meal plan. A simple Breakfast, a Big mid-day meal, and something to tide you over later at night. Keep in mind the word was different 80+ years ago when you look at today's meal & let me know what you think. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens a meal plan for: SUNDAY Breakfast Stewed figs Cooked whole wheat cereal with top milk. Scrambled eggs Toast with butter. Coffee for adults. . milk for children Dinner- Spareribs and sauerkraut Mashed potatoes Pear salad Bread and butter Chocolate Bavarian Coffee for adults. milk for children Supper Olive nut sandwiches Orange raisin salad Cocoa for all
November 16, 2025 at 1:44 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
As you wish...
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens CRAB APPLE PICKLES 10 pounds Siberian crab apples 3½ quarts sugar 2¾ cups cider vinegar 1 tablespoon whole cloves 2 teaspoons cassia buds 1 stick cinnamon Wash crab apples thoroughly but do not remove stems. Place in roasting pan. Put sugar and vinegar into a saucepan and bring to boiling point, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour over apples, add spices, and cover pan. Place in a moderate oven (350° F.) for about 1½ hours, pushing apples below surface of liquid every now and then. Uncover and continue cooking for about ¾ hour, or until apples are almost tender and about half have burst skins. Lift carefully into wide-mouthed jars and cover with syrup. Seal and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. after water boils again. Makes 6 quarts. Chill before serving Note: The highest quality of pickles are made from crab apples when they are first in season during September. As the season advances, the crab apples lose some of the flavor and firm texture which make good pickles.
November 15, 2025 at 7:36 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Today's meal plan from 1943 should have something for everyone, even if it isn't at the same time. Plus, we have a bonus tip about Cheese. I suspect I'll see a lot of you for lunch at Nana's table today. 😉 Let me know your thoughts below. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens A meal plan for: SATURDAY Breakfast Grapefruit halves Soft-cooked eggs Streusel coffee cake, Coffee for adults. cocoa for children. Luncheon Baked macaroni and cheese No. 2 Crab apple pickles Whole wheat bread and butter Blackberries Tea for adults. . milk for children. Dinner Escalloped oysters Carrot sticks Buttered spinach Bread and butter...... Cherry tapioca Coffee for adults.. milk for children Cheese is a temperamental food. Respect it when making rarebit.
November 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Good Morning, kiddos! Breakfast is ready. Gather around the table for 1975 @joyofcooking.bsky.social Apples & Bacon, "a fine breakfast or luncheon dish". At 1st I was a no, but with a little more thought, "It's Friday, why not!". What do you think of this dish? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1975, Joy of Cooking SAUTÉED APPLES AND BACON 4 Servings A fine breakfast or luncheon dish. Pare and core: Tart cooking apples Cut them into cubes. There should be about 4 cups. Sauté in a heavy skillet: 8 slices bacon Remove the bacon when crisp. Keep it hot. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet. Add: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Add the apples. Sauté uncovered over high heat until translucent. Sprinkle with: 2 tablespoons white or brown sugar Place apples on a hot platter. Surround them with the bacon. Serve garnished with: Parsley
November 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
You know, it's pie...with nuts. 😉
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens NUT PIE 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ cup nutmeats (pecans, hickory nuts, walnuts, etc.) 6 tablespoons flour 2 cups milk, scalded Cooled baked 8-inch pie shell 2 tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs, separated Pinch of salt Mix together brown sugar and flour; add scalded milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook slowly over direct heat 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and slowly stir into the well-beaten egg yolks. Return to pan and cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Add vanilla and stir well; then add nuts and stir enough to distribute. Cool. Turn into cooled baked pie shell. Beat egg whites until stiff; hen beat in granulated sugar and salt. Pipe this over surface of piaciling moderate oven (350° F.) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until meringue is nicely toasted. Cool before serving. 5 to 6 servings.
November 13, 2025 at 11:25 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
You & @djgiantrobot.bsky.social can compare notes. 😁
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens ESCALLOPED SWEET POTATOES AND APPLES 5 medium sweet potatoes or yams ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 tart apples ¾ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter Scrub potatoes, peel and slice. Peel, core and slice apples. Arrange in alternate layers in a buttered casserole, sprinkling each layer of potatoes with salt and each layer of apples with sugar. Dot with butter, cover casse-role, and bake in a moderate oven (375° F.) until both potatoes and apples are very tender and flavors are well blended, about 45 minutes. 5 servings.
November 13, 2025 at 5:43 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Please remember that the "French dressing" is more of a vinaigrette than what we consider French dressing today. Also, in 1943, a salad was basically anything served on lettuce. 🤷🏼‍♀️
from 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens GRAPEFRUIT SALAD 3 small grapefruit or 1 No. 2 Lettuce tin grapefruit sections ⅓ cup French dressing If using fresh grapefruit, peel like an apple and remove the sections whole. Canned sections should be drained (use juice as beverage). Arrange chilled sections on lettuce leaves. Serve with French dressing. 5 servings. Variation: A slice of tomato or avocado may be added to each serving of this salad for color and flavor. Watercress or curly endive is a pleasant change from lettuce.
November 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away here in the USA. Nana's got us covered with 3 options for the meal. Option #1 comes from Baton Rouge, LA, with Baked Ham as the Centerpiece. What do you think of Hazel's meal plan? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens 1 of 3 Thanksgiving Dinner meal plans THANKSGIVING DINNER No. 1 Tomato Juice Cocktail Oyster Bisque Celery Olives Pickles Baked Ham Escalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apples Baked Winter Squash Buttered Turnip Greens Hot Cornbread & Hot Biscuits Butter-Blackberry Jelly Grapefruit Salad Nut Pie Black Coffee _From HAZEL BRATLEY Extension Nutritionist, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
November 13, 2025 at 1:56 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Sourdough bread has been having a moment for a while, but what about sourdough cake in this case, from 1975 @joyofcooking.bsky.social Sourdough Chocolate Cake. What do you think? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1975 Joy of Cooking SOURDOUGH CHOCOLATE CAKE One 9-Inch Square Pan or Two 8-Inch Round Pans Please read About Sourdough, 554. » Have all ingredients about 70° Preheat oven to 350° Cream thoroughly: 6 tablespoons butter 1 cup sugar Add and beat: 2 eggs Stir in, then beat well: 1 cup Sourdough Starter ¾ cup milk 3 oz. melted semisweet chocolate 1 teaspoon vanilla Sift together: 1¾ cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt Fold the flour mixture into the batter and stir until smooth. Pour into greased pans and bake about 40 minutes for one square pan or 25 minutes for two round pans. Sprinkle over this moist cake. Sifted powdered sugar
November 12, 2025 at 3:12 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
As you wish...
Tomatoes Creole Melt in a large pan 2 tablespoons butter Add 1 green pepper, seeded and cut in tiny shreds 1 large onion, chopped fine Cook slowly until the onion is yellow. Add 6 to 8 tomatoes, quartered Continued on the next picture. From 1965, The Fannir Farmer Cookbook Cook slowly 20 minutes. Season to taste with Salt and pepper. Serves 4 or 5.
November 11, 2025 at 11:41 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Fannie Farmer wants you to have options when it comes to Acorn Squash. Bake it, Glaze it, Stuff it. Which way will you choose? Let me know below. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1965, The Fannie Farm Cookbook Baked Acorn Squash One squash serves 2 people. Cut in half but do not remove the seeds. Put on a cooky sheet, cut side up. Bake at 400° until soft (30 to 45 minutes). Scrape out the seeds and fibers and discard. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put a bit of butter in each. Glazed Acorn Squash. Just before serving, sprinkle with brown or maple sugar. Set in the oven again and bake until the sugar melts. Stuffed Acorn Squash. Fill the baked squash with Tomatoes Creole or, as a lunch or supper dish, with creamed chicken or ham. Sprinkle with buttered crumbs. Bake until brown.
November 11, 2025 at 1:39 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Monday is already heavy enough; maybe a "light as a feather" muffin could help start the day. 1950, Betty Crocker presented this simple recipe for a muffin. They're small, so you should grab 2 or 3. What do you think? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1950, The Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook "LICHT-AS-FEATHER" MUFFINS One of the specialties of Mrs. K's Toll House, Silver Springs, Maryland, famous for its wonderful food and charming atmosphere. Mix together thoroughly .. ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup soft shortening Blend in .. 1 egg Sift together.. 1¾ cups sifted SOFTASILK Cake Flour 4 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt and stir in alternately with . . 1 cup milk Fill greased muffin cups ⅔ full. Bake until golden brown. Serve hot. TEMPERATURE: 375° (quick mod. oven). TIME: Bake 20 to 23 min. AMOUNT: 14 to 16 small muffins.
November 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
It's Sunday Morning, how are we feeling today? Here's Nana's 1943 Sunday meal plan for you, and it's something else. At least there's pie today. And before you ask, celery cabbage is better known now as Napa Cabbage. Feel free to share your thoughts below.🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens A meal plan for: SUNDAY Breakfast Sliced bananas on prepared cereal with top milk Raisin toast with butter. Coffee.. hot milk Dinner Baked acorn squash with broiled little pig sausages Escalloped potatoes Buttered green beans Celery cabbage salad Whole wheat bread and butter.. Cocoanut cream pie Coffee. milk for children. Supper Hot tomato bouillon Carrot butter sandwiches Grapes Cocoa for all The Chinese gave us celery cabbage. They call it petsai.
November 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Good Saturday Morning! We have a great meal plan that Nana thinks everyone will be happy with. Luncheon features yesterday's recipe, but if you are interested in a different recipe, let me know and I'll get it from Nana. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens A meal plan for: SATURDAY Breakfast Grapefruit juice Prepared cereal with top milk Whole wheat toast with butter. Jelly Coffee for adults. cocoa for children Luncheon Cream of salmon soup Crisp crackers or toast.. Banana doughnuts Celery and radishes Coffee for adults.. milk for children Dinner Cheese fondue Buttered spinach Cole slaw Bread and butter Stewed apples Coffee.. buttermilk for children.
November 8, 2025 at 1:36 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Before America ran on Dunkin, we did it from scratch. Move over, Apple Cider and Pumpkin Doughnuts, Banana would like to take the stage. From 1943, I can almost taste the nutmeg & vanilla. Raise your hand if you want a fresh Banana Doughnut! 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens BANANA DOUGHNUTS 5 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons tarrate or calcium-phosphate baking powder, or 3 teaspoons S.A.S.-phosphate baking powder 1 teaspoon soda 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg ¼ cup shortening 1 cup sugar 3 eggs, well beaten 1½ teaspoons vanilla ¾ cup mashed bananas (about 2 good-sized bananas) ½ cup buttermilk ½ cup flour for rolling Sift flour, measure, and resift with baking powder, soda, salt and nut-meg. Cream shortening, blend in sugar, add eggs, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add combined vanilla, bananas and buttermilk and beat until well mixed. Add four mixture and stir until smooth. Turn small portions of dough onto floured board, knead lightly, roll to ⅜-inch thickness, and cut with floured 2½-inch doughnut cutter. Fry in deep fat heated to 375° F. (see 128) until golden brown, then lift out and drain on absorbent paper. If desired, the dough may be covered tightly and kept in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days, to be fried as needed. Makes about 3½ dozen.
November 7, 2025 at 1:12 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
This Chowder was on the menu for lunch today in Nana's cookbook. I think it is perfect for my area, where they are already talking about ❄️. Add some crackers and a salad, and we've got a nice little lunch today. Wouldn't you agree?
🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens CORN CHOWDER 2 slices bacon 2 slices onion 1½ cups diced potatoes 2 cups fresh corn, cut from cob, or 1 No. 2 tin cream-style corn 3 cups hot water 3 tablespoons butter 1 cup evaporated milk 2½ teaspoons salt Dash black pepper Chop bacon and onion coarsely and put into soup kettle; cook until onion is soft and bacon done. Add potatoes, corn, and water, and cook until potatoes are tender. Add butter, milk, and seasonings; reheat to boiling and serve piping hot. 5 servings
November 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Well, after so many wonderful suggestions about the Lamb Stew, I think we need a dessert to go with all of it. This 1943 Meringue dish just might fit the bill. Especially when the flavor is the chef's choice! I'm thinking Raspberry, but you let me know your thoughts. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens JAM MERINGUE PUFF 1 cup milk ¼ teaspoon vanilla 3 tablespoons sugar 4 to 6 tablespoons tart jam ⅛ teaspoon salt or jelly 3 eggs, separated Pinch salt Scald milk in top of double boiler with sugar and salt. Beat egg yolks and stir in about half of the scalding hot milk; return to other half of milk in double boiler and cook over boiling water, stirring constantly, until custard coats a metal spoon. Remove immediately from heat; add vanilla. Cool and chill. When ready to serve, beat the egg whites until fairly stiff; add the jam or jelly and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until very stiff and smooth. Dip into individual serving dishes and serve with the custard sauce. 5 servings.
November 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
On today's meal plan for dinner, Nana has this Irish Stew. It appears straightforward based on the ingredient list. What would you add to it to enhance the savoriness? Let me know below. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens IRISH STEW 1½ Ib. lamb shoulder, cut in pieces for stew 2 teaspoons salt Dash pepper Flour 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 3 tablespoons butter or bacon drippings 5 carrots, scraped and diced Water 1 small onion, sliced Wipe meat with damp cloth; dredge thoroughly with flour and brown on all sides in a skillet or Dutch oven in which the butter or drippings has been melted. Add 1 cup water, cover, and simmer 45 minutes; then add salt, pepper, potatoes, carrots and onion, with 1½ cups more boiling water, and continue simmering until all are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve piping hot. If desired, a little chopped parsley may be added just before serving. 5 servings.
November 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
I woke up to a wet gray world. I bet a bowl of this Chicken Fricasse might help me have a brighter outlook for the day. Now what should we serve with it? Noodles, Rice, or dumplings? Let me know your choice below. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #RecipeOfTheDay
From 1975, Joy of Cooking CHICKEN OR TURKEY STEW OR FRICASSEE A fricassee is a simmered meat, usually chicken, veal or rabbit. Whether this meat is to be simmered in stock or in water; whether it is to be sautéed first in butter or put directly into boiling liquid; whether it is to be simmered first and browned afterward; what the additions are to be; whether or not a thickening of flour is to be used; whether the stock is to be thickened at the last with cream and eggs-these are all matters of tradition, personal taste and convenience. Typical fricassees are the following. Clean and cut into pieces: A 5-Ib. stewing chicken or pieces of turkey Place the chicken in a stewing pan and bring to the boiling point with: 3 cups water 1 sliced carrot 2 ribs celery with leaves 1 small sliced onion Reduce heat and simmer the fowl about 15 minutes and remove scum. Continue to » simmer covered until the meat is tender, 2 hours or more. • Do not boil at any time. At the end of the first hour of cooking, add: 3 or 4 peppercorns Remove the meat and strain the stock. If a very concentrated gravy is desired, boil the stock before thickening until reduced to 1½ cups. Thicken with: Flour, see Poultry Pan Gravy Pour the gravy over the chicken. Garnish with: Parsley Serve with: Noodles, Dumplings, or Boiled Rice, 5 Servings
November 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
1965 Fannie Farmer has a Braised Geef Gourmet. The beginning of the recipe sounds like what you described.
From 1965, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook Braised Beef Gourmet Richer than beef stew because the gravy cooks down more in a shallow pan than in a deep one. Remove the fat from 2 pounds bottom round steak or chuck Cut the meat in 2-inch cubes. Dip in Flour Brown on all sides in a heavy frying pan greased with the fat just enough to keep the meat from sticking. Add 2 cups boiling water Cover tightly. Simmer over very low heat until the meat is fork-tender and the gravy very thick and dark (about 3 hours). Add more water from time to time as needed. Season with Salt and pepper to taste Put in a frying pan 1 tablespoon butter ½ pound mushrooms, sliced Cook and stir 5 minutes. Add to the beef. Serves 4. To vary. Omit the sliced mushrooms and garnish the platter with a row of broiled mushroom caps.
November 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Nana had to change a few more clocks in her day; I only had to fix the microwave. Either way, Nana still had a plan for Sunday's meal, and here is what 1943 Sunday looked like. I'll be happy to pull up a chair for breakfast. What about you? 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking #Recipes #Menuoftheday
From 1943, The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Givens A meal plan for: SUNDAY Breakfast Freshly sliced oranges Sweet milk waffles with syrup Broiled bacon Coffee for adults. milk for children... coffee; milk Dinner Steak and kidney pie Braised celery Tomato salad Whole wheat bread and butter. Baked apples Coffee for adults. milk for children Supper Devilled egg salad Toast sticks Hot cocoa for all
November 2, 2025 at 1:53 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
A rare occasion, I took myself out for a little breakfast. I think Nana would approve of my selection. 🍽️ 🍜 #FoodSky #Cooking
Three plates with different breakfast items. Toast, 3 pancakes, 2eggs over medium and 3 strips of bacon. Brunch House in SW Michigan
November 1, 2025 at 12:29 PM
nanascookbooks.bsky.social
Here you go. I've uploaded the full text in the alt pic comments for you. There was 1 last line that went to the next page.
From 1975 Joy of Cooking BUTTER SWIRLS These finish off many fine, rich sauces, both white and brown, after straining and final heating. But after swirling, the sauce must be served at once » nor can it be reheated. In addition to improving the flavor, the butter swirl also very slightly thickens the sauce. To make a sauce finie au beurre after straining and heating, add » unsalted, unmelted butter bit by bit, moving the pan in a circular motion, so that the butter makes a visible spiral in the hot sauce as it melts. Remove the pan from the heat before the butter is fully melted and continue to swirl. » Do not use a spoon to stir it and do not try to reheat it. About 1 tablesppon butter is generally used to "finish" 1 cup of sauce,
October 31, 2025 at 3:56 PM