It s the book that started it all the well-loved edition that first bought Betty Crocker cookbooks into American homes and hearts. Published in 1950 this ground-breaking title made cooking easy it made cooking appealing and best of all it made cooking fun. Packed full of practical tips useful hints and lavish color photography this was the book that shaped cooking for generations the book that people remember. Every recipe you -- or your mother -- ever wanted is here from pigs in blankets to Emergency Steak to Chicken Tomato Aspic. Enjoy the clever ideas throughout -- twelve months of birthday cake ideas showing how to decorate a cake to match each month s gem stone pointers to make setting up a kitchen easy or hints to make housework more pleasant. Feel a part of history when making Home Front Macaroni developed during WW II rationing to stretch meat. Get into the spirit of fun with a Betty Crocker Cookie Shine or cookie baking party. People who grew up with this book will want it for the memories; those who are new to the book will want it for its charm and its intelligent approach to cooking. It s a perfect keepsake and a great gift.