Hostess Magic
Recipes for Great Entertaining
May
1984
I actually thought this book was much older than 1984, given the black and white photos and the squared off kebob on the cover. (Personal bias: I like food to actually look like food, not a demo of solid geometry.) Aside from the fruit bowl, everything else featured is odd looking or just unappetizing because of the photography. Modern cookbooks are all about the photography and the instruction. I also can’t imagine anyone buying specialized tools to cut a sandwich. This particular cookbook is all about using the speed press, a magical tool that can shape your food.
There are some classic/disturbing recipes, including: Creamed chipped beef on toast (My mom served that a couple of times when I was growing up. Not a happy memory.) and a fruited chicken mold (made with lemon gelatin!).
I am sure all of you will be racing to your local library to make some of these recipes.
Bon Appetit!
Mary
Awful Library Books 