the california cook book by genevieve callahan, 1955

for those of you who follow my blog on a regular basis i'm sure you realize that while i love to make things first and foremost i am a collector and perhaps you could go so far as to say that i'm a little bit of a nerd when it comes to the history of the stuff i blog about. it usually starts when i discover a little tidbit of information - lets say i discover the work of a particular person that sparks my interest. i then typically set out to do a little research and that usually leads me to at least 2 or 3 (if not more) purchases on ebay.  and yes 99% of what i blog about are things that i own. don't get me wrong i love those blogs that feature just the images of stuff people find on ebay - but i prefer to just salivate on my own over all those things (that i can't afford or don't have room for) that i look at each and every morning while checking out my many ebay saved searches. i am too embarrassed to admit just how many saved searches i have but lets just say that i'm at capacity because every time i try to add new one and have to delete an existing one.

i am actually totally forgetting exactly how i first stumbled across genevieve callahan (no relation) - but i soon discovered that she was the home economics editor of sunset magazine in the 30s. i'm sure it will not surprise you to hear that sunset magazine has had a big influence on my thinking - especially issues from the 60s and 70s. the whole notion of all things "california" when i was growing up was a very big deal. even though i am a native (that's what we call ourselves) i was raised by parents who were not born here - my mom was from another country and my dad from back east. i remember how important it was (especially to my mom) to give gifts and cards that were made in california. "made in california" was a real stamp of approval.

anyway, there was something that spoke to me about the california cook book. i think it was the illustrations on the cover and those i discovered later at the beginning of each chapter (some choice selections below). plus i would actually like to try out some of the recipes. and i think what i like about it the most is that it's a well worn library copy - i looks like it was probably put to very good use in it's previous life. as soon as i can get around to it i should probably get a brodart cover on it to protect it - see i told you i was a nerd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(from the new california cook book for causal living all over the world by genevieve callahan, revised edition published 1955)

Comments

[Mary Johnson]

In doing some research on my Great Aunt Genevieve, I came across your blog. It is so nice to know some folks are still appreciating her talents. Genevieve graduated from Iowa State University, my alma mater as well. When you talk about the very worn state of the cookbook you have, it is very much like what I have. It is well worn and the pages bear various remnants of the recipes! Each of the nieces and nephews received an autographed copy of the cookbook as a wedding present from Genevieve. I was married in 1975 and cherish this as one of my favorite gifts.
If you haven’t tried the Arrowhead Casserole yet – it’s terrific. I skip the suet part of the recipe though!
Mary Johnson

[Sarah Gupta]

Oh my goodness! So adorable. Makes me miss my California-cooking grandma.

Love you site, btw! My mom, grandma and great-grandma all grew up in California, and I spent most of my childhood and young adult years there as well. I have a real soft spot for retro Cali!