Recently, I have become obsessed with Granny’s 1950 first edition (second printing) Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book.  Betty, known as my imaginary friend, has such wonderful advice to this 2010 homemaker from the picturesque 50′s.  Becoming the “modern” homemaker of 1950 can be challenging especially since we are living in 2010.  But Betty’s wisdom surpasses time. Skepticism plagues our home…..and I, quote, my 13 yo, “Really….Mom….the cookbook….again??”—that is complete with rolling eyes and a shake of the head……

As I sat down to do “research” for my Betty Crocker Fridays, I found a lovely quote from Betty,

Breads-Quick and Hot:  A conversation Piece…….Hot quick breads in their many delightful forms help tell the story of civilization.  Notice the bits of history tucked into these pages and serve them up as table conversation.  They’ll make cooking, and eating, more fun.

Oh, Betty, you know how I love history!!   AND oh, how I love to talk!!  Betty, giving us something to discuss over dinner……you are my hero!!  I can’t wait to hear more……

One of the earliest forms of baking…..once called “hearth cakes”….now known by many names.  They vary from hearty buckwheat cakes to to the delicate dessert cakes.  But, whatever the kind, the cakes should be light, tender, and uniformly golden brown.  The Dutch settlers brought pancakes to America.  Later, the Germans in Pennsylvania served pancakes for breakfast, supper and noonday meals.

Don’t you love pancakes…..yummmmm nothing says, “Good Morning” like pancakes……

Betty’s Delicate Fluffy Pancakes

Beat well with rotary beater….

3 egg yolks

Beat in….

1 2/3 cups thick buttermilk

1 tsp. soda

Sift together and beat in…..

1 1/2 cups sifted Gold Medal flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Beat in…

3 tbsp. soft butter

Gently fold in….

3 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Doesn’t that sound heavenly????

I have a dilemma every single time I make pancakes.  Leftovers!!  Leftover pancakes tend to be “too dry.”  My kids rarely will eat leftover pancakes.  Lately, the leftovers have been going to the dogs….which isn’t healthy for them.  OR I have been putting them in the compost.  All the while, I can distinctively hear Grandma, “People just waste so much these days.”  Then the guilt settles in……



Under the title, “New Adventures with Culinary Heirlooms”, I found Betty’s solution for those guilt causing leftovers…..  Turn them into dessert!!

So with a little help…. leftovers became dessert…..

Jelly Roll Pancakes: Spread jelly, rolled up, dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Our version:

Sugar Free Applesauce, cinnamon, and whipped cream.

Swedish Pancakes “Plattar” or Little Plates: stack pancakes with lingonberries and whipped cream……

Betty, what is a lingonberry?  Okay, don’t think I can find any…….. so….

We substituted fresh blueberries…..had some in the freezer…. picked them myself last summer….makes my mouth water just thinking about them.

The leftover problem is solved!!  Yippie!!!  They were so good last night for dessert we had them again for breakfast!!

Oh Betty!! What would I do without you???

Happy Cooking and God Bless!!

No related posts.