BHG Dessert Cookbook

This sweet cookbook, Better Homes and Gardens Dessert Cookbook, published by Meredith Publishing Co. in 1960 (sorry, no ISBN this time), is a collection of the basic and the sublime! If the dessert that you crave is creamy, gooey or sticky-sweet, it's in this book. As the cover says. "over 400 dessert recipes". This cookbook is a must-have for anyone who likes to serve an occasional jaw-dropping dessert.

If you want to impress your family or friends with a dessert that they don't have everyday, you might want to check out the recipes for Baked Alaska, Creme Brulee or Cream Puffs. There are also recipes for Chiffon Pies, Marble Cakes and Eclairs that will make them, "ooh and ahh". Some of the more involved directions might be a little intimidating for a cook who's just getting started, but you could work your way through this book from the more basic, easier sweets to the fancier, fussier confections. A nice characteristic of this book is that it offers both the simpler recipes and the more advanced show-stoppers...hey, we can't all be Julia Child, but we can dream.

This book is typically Better Homes and Gardens-inspired; it offers beautiful color pictures of some of the finished products, as well as, instructional photos of the hands-on preparation of the more in-depth recipes. I like to have pictures when I've never made an involved recipe before; I'm a visual learner.

If fancy, involved desserts are something that you only have when you eat out, this book is 'worth your while' just for the quicker cookie and candy recipes (including the famous "Cherry Winks" cookies made popular in the 60's and 70's). It also offers several puddings, fruit desserts, and cake and frosting recipes. There are a few low-calorie desserts including what we used to call, "Pink Fluff". I know, that just "sealed the deal" for anyone who's ever let "Pink Fluff" melt in her mouth!

Happy hunting, cookbook lovers! Oh!....and Happy Valentine's weekend!

Page 104 Cherry Winks (My Aunt Lena used to make these!)

1/3 C shortening
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 TBSP milk

****

1 C sifted, enriched flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C seedless raisins
1/2 C chopped California walnuts

****

1 1/2 C wheat flakes, slightly crushed
Candied cherries

Thoroughly cream together shortening, sugar, lemon peel, and vanilla. Add egg and milk; beat thoroughly. Sift together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in raisins and nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto crushed wheat flakes; toss lightly to coat. Place on greased cooky sheet about 2 inches apart. Top each with a candied-cherry half. Bake in hot oven (400 degrees) about 12 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from pan. Makes about 3 dozen.

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