Cooking With Gas (& More Hot Stuff)

"This Cook Book is presented to you as an aid in meal planning and in the hope that you will find new and tasty recipes to add interest to the every day food problem. "...We believe a change in method is justified if the food prepared is as good or better than that prepared in other ways, and the new way gives you a saving in time, effort or fuel..." -- Jane L. Roberts, Home Economics Director Front cover from a 100-page spiral bound cookbook, published by Roberts & Mander Stove Company, Philadelphia, PA.

Nothing like a spotlight effect and a cute bowl of "roses" to give your Braised Beef Platter that extra razzle-dazzle!

It's slab-er-ific! Also, right next to this shot of an entire meal jammed together is a caution to "Avoid having the upper rack too close to the top of the oven. Do not crowd..." [snerk]

The London Grill featured "loin lamb chops 1 inch thick", wrapped in lamb kidney and bacon, along with Glazed Spiced Pineapple Rings and Breaded Parsnips (!). I wonder when our anti-British sentiment will wane long enough for those to become trendy again.

Tonight, Mrs. Jane L. Hitchcock Presents...!!

There were at least forty of these bottom-of-the page illustrations in this book. (Beyond the first one here, which is basically a copy of the photo seen in image no. 2.) They were printed in silver ink, which doesn't scan really well, so I altered them in Photoshop for more contrast. The Chili Con Carne (second from top) is tragically underseasoned, but it sure looks nice.

"Grapefruit halves can be broiled-- loosen sections, add a little sherry flavoring, if desired, sprinkle with brown sugar and nutmeg and brown to a golden crustiness. Or turn them into a dessert by decorating them with meringue and browning slightly..." Also shown: Canapes, Brown Stock ("May be used as a consomme'. For variation, place a half section of thinly sliced orange or lemon in bottom of each cup and pour consomme over it.") , and Chicken Croquettes.

Those "donuts" are actually battered pineapple slices. (aka "Fritters... Substitute apples, banans, canned peaches or apricots... serve hot as a garnish with baked ham, roast chicken or game. Or serve hot as a dessert with Lemon or Pineapple Sauce.") I guess we really, really loved our pineapple rings back then. Also shown: Baked Tomatoes, Boston Baked Beans, and Stuffed Tomato Salad.

Recipes illustrated: Braised Celery, Orange Shortcake, Cream Puffs ("Very small cream puffs about 1 inch in diameter can be made for afternoon tea refreshments or for canapes... Split and fill centers with finely chopped chicken or crab salad, a savory cheese mixture, caviar blended with Mayonnaise, or cream cheese blended with strawberry or marmalade") , and Apple Pie.