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Monday, July 27, 2009

Miss Olive Speaks Up

Ivy

One day earlier this summer, my father said to two of our daughters who were visiting-

You girls want to go through that closet in the garage?”

That closet in the garage held a treasure trove of my mother’s collecting.

One replied, as nonchalantly as a racing heart rate will allow, “How about right now?” He smiled because he knew exactly what they were thinking.

They are their mother’s daughters.

There are many things to share in future posts about this closet, but I am starting with these- three cookbooks they found.

Disclaimer: I have 3 daughters. One was not here. She is part of all of this in absentia. We have rules of engagement for closet sifting too. Even steven.

These cookbooks were published in 1910. Let’s look first at the Desserts Volume.

Ivy (3)

Can you read the first sentence of the last paragraph?

“The chief reason why more women do not give their pastries due personal attention lies in the fact that discouragement so often follows failure…”

No kidding. I have tried to make a pie crust in a food processor, by hand, and at one point in the 80’s by using a large Tupperware bowl, filled with pastry ingredients, which I rotated wildly, in a clockwise direction, simulating hula hooping.

Miss Olive (the author), thanks for taking that monkey off my back.

And then there is this recipe.

Ivy (7)

I don’t even know what to say.

However, as irreverent as I can be, I am completely impressed. This one could happen…it could really happen.

One last one.

Ivy (9)

I’m going to let you write the last sentence of this post.

ThreeOrMoreTuesdayLogo

Go by The Gypsy’s Corner to see more three’s!

30 comments:

  1. That's hilarious! I am not going to finish that sentence, but I am going to tell my daughter (who enjoys the hobby of reading and collecting cookbooks)to scoot on over hear and read this post. It's great! Linda :)

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  2. Isn't it amazing how different life used to be? That would be so interesting to read a cookbook from 1910! Can't wait to see what else was in that closet!
    ~Patti

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  3. Please let me finish a couple of sentences with my thoughts after reading this funny post!
    A. You obviously tried everything but due personal attention. That is the secret to perfect crusts!
    B. I do!...and tastes like bird's nest poop. I'm sure it is attractive...to a grackle!
    C. So much for the good "old" days!
    Loved this! Just a reminder how far we HAVE come baby!

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  4. Looking at your meal on the previous post. Did you save me any? :-(

    Looking forward to more coming out of the closet. Hugs

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  5. These are so fun. I have a cookbook from 1935 and I have used more than any book I have. I think by then they really got around to telling you how to do something and the instructions were very specific. Your books are great. I love them. Hugs, Marty

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  6. I'd love to get a look at those books, too! Are there any recipes worthy of trying?

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  7. Hello my pie crust sister. I am an awesome cook but I can't make pie crust to save my life...if you eat it someone will have to save yours.

    Miss Olive will not be invited to Tablescapes Thursdays.

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  8. I think that is the first time I've read the word accustomedness. I'm trying to say it aloud and I can't.
    What a treasure. I love the covers too.
    My Grandaddy was born in 1910. The man refused to eat at any restaurant. He would only eat the cooking of people he knew. Perferrably only my grandmothers. My grandmother definitely accomplished the art of cooking for her man. She did it for nearly 60 years.

    Joy

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  9. Love old cookbooks..they are generally part cookbook and part Miss Manners....so quaint....and funny. Great post and thanks for the laugh.

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  10. with treasures like these wonderful cookbooks, I can't wait to see what else Mom had stuffed into the closet!

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  11. My how things have changed. Thank goodness! :)

    What wonderful treasures.

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  12. Wouldn't have lasted 2 minutes back in that era ... chuckle! TTFN ~ Marydon

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  13. Great post. 1910, a different way of thinking for sure! Too funny. As I read you post, a song was playing in my head...."I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan..." ha!

    Tina

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  14. These are so fun..:-)
    Have a nice day

    ♥Ita

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  15. I love old cookbooks... well, let me also state... I love old books. Old etiquette books are some of my favorites. Great posting, Laura.
    Karen

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  16. I like, "it is the religious duty of every housewife to accomplish the art of cooking."
    Oh, boy, I better get busy!

    Seriously, though, I love those cookbooks. Especially that there is so much philosophy mixed in with the cooking stuff.

    Wish I had a closet full of goodies like these cookbooks.

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  17. These book are definitively keepers because they it nothing else are fun to read. The bindings are true Art Nouveau and make a wonderful display too! Thanks for sharing,this was a real fun entry!

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  18. I love old cookbooks and, in fact, collect them. These are real gems. How great is it to get to enjoy clean it out a closet!

    Christi

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  19. Funny! "the religious duty" ??? Oooops - I am in trouble. :-D
    Glenda

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  20. Hi Laura...

    Girl, what a treasure find!!! I love old cookbooks...in fact, I just inherited my MIL's cookbooks. There were several old Sweedish cookbooks in the mix...very interesting! Hmmm...not sure that they are as interesting as these three that you have though! 1901...we've come a long way, Baby! Hehe! Such a treasure...coming from your Mom!!! Thanks for sharing them with us today!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

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  21. Love the old cookbooks...I have a few myself but not any of my mother's. You're a lucky girl!

    As for the last line, I concur w/ the other's...it's gotta be "we've come a long way Baby!"

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  22. Now while I do love my pearls and heels I'm sure Miss Olive would be disappointed that I don't clean house and cook in them. It does sound crazy to read it, but really? Don't we all want to BE that woman to our families (deep down) ? We just don't strive for it on a DAILY basis.

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  23. What great treasures! My how things have changed. Have a great day!

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  24. How wonderful, recipes, history, and words of encouragement. What else could one ask for?

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  25. I LOVE old books!
    Those are priceless!
    I found an old manners book in an antique store and I am working on a newspaper column about it.

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  26. What a wonderful treasure you truly found!!! I LOVE old books...especially cookbooks!!

    Blessings to you!

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  27. I love these old housekeeping/cookery books! What gems!

    Manuela

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  28. Just wanted to let you know how much I really enjoy your posts. I guess I would be a sad disappointment to Miss Olive, because I just LOVE to be waited on at a good restaurant! LOL
    Thanks for sharing these great little gems.
    Debra

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  29. How funny! I loved that last one, but they are all great. I'm leaving this post with a smile on my face. Thanks. laurie

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