Cookbook Lookthrough: Vintage Betty Crocker Hostess Cookbook from 1967

Today I want to show you my 1967 Betty Crocker’s Hostess Cookbook. It’s easy to find at your local used bookstore or on eBay.

The mid-century illustrations are charming, but the mid-century food photography is atrocious and several of the recipes are definitely, entertainingly disgusting looking to modern eyes.

Chapters include:

• Dinner Parties (Gay supper parties; easy little dinners; classic company dinners; buffet suppers)
• Bright Little Brunches and Lunches (a casserole brunch, a Brunch Parisienne, a pancake party, a club luncheon, a mixed foursome lunch, and a two-table Bridge luncheon)
• Teas and Receptions (reception tea; small afternoon tea; wedding reception; anniversary buffet)
• Casual Get-Togethers, Outdoors and In (Patio parties; spur-of-the-moment dinners, morning coffee break, come for dessert and coffee, snacks at Five or Midnight)
• Happy Holiday Specials (New Year’s Buffet, Chinese Style; Valentine Luncheon; Easter Sunday Brunch; Polynesian Picnic for Summer Holidays; Halloween Pnch Party; Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner; Merry Christmas Dinner).

Take a look at the inside of the cookbook:

While there are a lot of good useable recipes and helpful entertaining tips, most of the value of this antique cookbook comes from gawping at the strange photos and unappealing foods!

-Carrie