Mine is second edition, first printing by McGraw-Hill. 1956

The best cookbook ever published anywhere. Love it love it love it! My mother had this cookbook and it was a tattered stained mess but I learned how to cook from it. The pictures, the little editorial notes -- like a trip back to childhood's happy hours. And I still use it! Every week! (Thankfully my sister gave me, as a gift, a brand-new facsimile copy of the original.)

I have 2 copies of the original 3-ring binder cook books. I absolutely love this book. This is my go to book for how-to.
Thanks, Betty Crocker

I wanted a copy of this cookbook my entire adult life - ever since I left home and had to leave mom's treasured old book behind I've coveted it. One Christmas (a few years ago now - I don't remember when this came out) I was finally gifted this facsimile edition and as far as I can tell, this is the very same book. With the delicious Caramel (Burnt Sugar) Cake and Caramel Icing (on page 130). The only birthday cake I ever really want to have! This cookbook is one of my prized possessions, not only for the delicious old recipes but because of the priceless sentimental value it holds.

Every kitchen needs this book, it is a classic. My grandmother gave me a copy as a Christmas gift one year...she said she loved this book and wanted me to have a copy also. Oh grandmother you were so right - some of the best biscuits I have ever made came courtesy of this book!

I love the fact that it is so retro too, the pictures crack me up along with some of the content (oh the 50's you were so funny with your woman in the house & no where else attitude). The retro feel of it also will make you think "WHOA!!" when reading some of the recipes - because of the ingredients. I won't lie, I have used some of the recipes as a base and modified them to be a little healthier.

All in all I think it is a great reference for "old school" cooking and a go to for classic basic recipes.

A picture is worth 1000 words

This is a review of the first edition (ninth printing).

I inherited this book from my parents.

This book contains enough photographs and diagrams that it could’ve been a video of its time.

I tried several recipes and they still work. However, this book is more than recipes that tell how to measure and the meaning of the different technical words used in such recipes.

Even if you do not go as far as using this cookbook for its intention, it is a keeper just to see how people thought in 1950. Seven years before “Leave It to Beaver” it shows a well-dressed family sitting at the table.

This book is still practical but also can be used as a conversation piece if mysteriously found on your coffee table.

Loving the classic recipes. The appetizer suggestions alone make me want to throw a 1950's cocktail party. On a different note, I was struck by the section at the end, about how a housewife ought to take care of herself, BECAUSE "If you're tired from overwork /Household chores you're bound to shirk." (!!!) Don't wear yourself out, ladies, because then who will clean and cook? And this helpful hint: "If you feel tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands over your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3-5 minutes." Did you catch that? Lie ON THE FLOOR, and this is accompanied by a little drawing with an aproned woman in a dress stretched out on some tile or linoleum kitchen. I guess the couch might lead to disastrous napping. Still, it's an interesting piece of history. And several recipes call for 1/8tsp pepper. Careful there, Betty, you or you might end up tasting that!

This is a fun read, and the recipes are actually good, too. This has the waffle recipe I usually use.

I have my mom's copy. Every page brings back memories

Was tickled when I could get this cookbook. I learned to cook from my mom's original cookbook she received when she married.

I scored a first edition of this from the library used book area. Wooo!

This and the Betty crocker Cookbook are two of my go to books. They have a lot of useful info and a lot of good basic recipes you can adapt.