Growing up, there were two cookbooks that were always in my mom's kitchen: the red one with the lady (Betty Crocker) and the red plaid one (Better Homes & Garden). We used both all the time until I got my own Julia Child cookbook. We might have had a favorite cookie recipe in one and a delicious bread recipe in the other. It wasn't until I started collecting vintage cookbooks that I realized the Meridith Corporation had put out all these specialized books under the Better Homes and Garden brand.
The magazine they first published was called Fruit Garden and Home in 1922, and they changed the name to Better Homes and Gardens in 1924. You can check out their Wikipedia page or the older issues on The Internet Archives. You can also read the older issues on the BH&G website, although you will need to create a free account for this.
If you're into vintage cookbooks, Booklady Cooks has a great selection from 1950 to 1990. The condition of the books varies, so make sure you read their descriptions when choosing. I personally love reading them and don't mind some wear and tear because it adds to the vintage charm. Besides the wide selection, I also enjoy the illustrations and menus that transport me to another time and place. You can get a sense of the meals and celebrations that were part of people's lives. The prices range from $5 to $20.
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