"Pure Food" and "Can't Fail" Cookbooks

I recently came across a forgotten family heirloom, the "Pure Food Cook Book," published in 1923 by the Women's Progressive Farmers' Association of the State of Missouri. It originally belonged to my Great-Aunt Lora. It was then passed down to my grandmother, my mother, and now me. There are a number of handwritten recipes interspersed among the pages, including recipes for Sliced Peach Pie and Bread and Butter Pickles, most in Great-Aunt Lora's handwriting. My favorite was inserted between pages, a recipe in my grandmother's handwriting for "Pigs in Blanket," not the frankfurter version, but a stuffed cabbage recipe. The best part: the recipe is on the back of a deposit slip for the World War I Auxiliary #157 account at Peoples Bank. In addition to recipes for Loganberry Lemonade, Virginia Chow Chow and Peach Pickles, this book has a recipe in Great-Aunt Lora's handwriting for Green Tomato Preserves. The last page is "How to Cook Husbands," which includes this gem: "Tie him in the kettle by a strong silken cord, called comfort; duty is apt to be weak. Husbands are apt to fly out of the kettle and be burned and crusty on the edge, since, like crabs and lobsters, you have to cook them while alive. Make a clear, steady fire out of love, neatness and cheerfulness. Set your husband as near this as seems to agree with him. If he sputters and fizzes, do not be anxious. Some husbands do this until they are quite done. Add a little sugar in the form of what confectioners call kisses, but no vinegar or pepper on any account..." Another on my shelf is the "Can't Fail Cook Book," by Isabelle Clark Swezy, published by Vitucci Virgin Olive Oil. The year is nowhere in evidence, but it's definitely close to 100 years old. At one point I gave it to my brother when he nearly starved while trying to make it on his own the first time. In the margins are hints for places to shop, as well as a couple of recipes in my newly learned, still awkward calligraphy. In addition to recipes for Canellon of Beef and Rice and Salmon Turbot, it gives directions for furniture and floor polish made with turpentine, vinegar, and you guessed it ---- 1 cup of Vitucci Virgin Olive Oil. The most helpful book on the shelf is the "Farm Journal Cookbook," a mainstay when I was growing up. The earlier editions are best if you can find them, as they include farmstead essential information as well as tried and true recipes. "Stocking Up" is another good one written with the self-sufficient kitchen in mind. Stepping away from the bookshelf, some family gems are stashed away in the recipe card boxes, many well-worn and marked with stains. My sister had asked us to entrust her with our favorites, including those in our grandmothers' handwriting, and took the time and trouble to scan them in. The result was a CD that was her holiday gift to everyone, still quite treasured.

Pasta salad and sweet harmony

This just in: Pasta salad is a summer thing, doesn't heat up the oven, and stays edible for days in the fridge. And it doesn't have to be blah. Cook 3/4 package whole grain or brown rice rotini al dente; drain. While still hot, add 1 big handful of snow peas or sugar pod peas, deveined and coarsely chopped. (Mine were blossoming and producing enough for a batch until the hot weather hit.) Add half a package of frozen stir fry vegetables with asparagus, 2 chopped scallions, and 2/3 cup cooked edamame (shelled). Pour over the salad 1/2 bottle good prepared Asian ginger/sesame dressing (an exception to bad bottled dressings), OR use 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, 1 clove garlic, 1 T. soy sauce, 1 T. toasted sesame oil, 2 T. agave syrup, 1 T. grated ginger, 3 large chiffonaded Thai or regular basil leaves, salt, pepper to taste. (Cilantro is optional, as is sprinkling with red chili flakes). Chill. Set out 15 minutes before serving. Not mehhh. Something else refreshing: Four young people who have mastered the art of percussion with soft drink cups, plus they sing in perfect harmony. It will cost you $1.29, but it's worth every penny. Go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cups-when-im-gone-single/id670084540 to download. "Cups (When I'm Gone)" is by Sam Tsui, Kina Grannis, Alex G and Kurt Schneider. The latter is the apparent mastermind of this iTunes video, apparently filmed in a park at a card table, with some really good microphones. A link on Facebook from my sister-in-law's sister sent me to this sweet video, which has restored my faith in the power of music, coordination, harmony and serendipity.