The Accidental Colllector

In my post on "Julie and Julia," I mentioned that I began my married/cooking life with family recipes as well as a few good cook books. As the years have gone by, I've acquired many, many more, whether by inheritance, gift, or considered purchase. You'd almost call it a collection.

Along with my grandmother's well-worn grater and cooling rack, I inherited a slew of cookbooks --her personal recipe collection, with many familiar favorites in her own spiky handwriting, is my sentimental favorite.

But these two, from the Twenties, are quite charming.

The Old South Cook Book, from 'the best cooks in Montgomery,' purports to "give a pretty accurate idea of the eating enjoyed in 'the good old days before the war.'" (I have a real feeling they're not talking about WWI.)

Corn fritters, tea biscuits, Lady Baltimore cake, Salt Rising bread, Sally Lunn, beaten biscuit . . . and the Tested Recipes follow much the same pattern.

but the ads are the best part. . .

I'll be off in Burnsville at the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival today and tomorrow -- probably without Internet so I won't be responding to comments -- I'll catch up on Sunday!