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Original poster

My mum had a cookbook with a black cover when I was little... any idea what it was?

38 replies

lunavix · 29/12/2008 20:51

I know that's a little vague...

I have no idea how old (older than me!) I remember the cover being plain (may have had a dustjacket but no idea) lots of photos I think some may have been colour. perhaps A4 size. Pretty thick. She swore by it!

OP posts:
Sparkletastic · 29/12/2008 20:52

A Goodhousekeeping one? They did A4 and a pic with every recipe.

Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 20:52

I don't think so, might have a nose on ebay cos it might have been.

OP posts:
RubyrubytheRubynosedReindeer · 29/12/2008 20:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 29/12/2008 20:54

My mum had a really old Mrs Beeton book which had a black cover. Was about 2 inches thick but come to think of it, no photos, just a few colour plates.

ranting · 29/12/2008 20:55

Yes am pretty sure my nan had one of those, can't remember who it was by though. Was the inside of the black cover kind of leather look with a red inside page?

callmeovercautious · 29/12/2008 20:56

Delia Smith? a few have black covers My Mum has one that was definately out late 80's.

Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 20:58

hmm

don't think it was delia or mrs beeton

may be colour 'plates' lol

I'm 25, I'm fairly certain it was older than me. Traditional food, sectioned, meat, poultry, starters, baking etc...

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 20:58

hmm

don't think it was delia or mrs beeton

may be colour 'plates' lol

I'm 25, I'm fairly certain it was older than me. Traditional food, sectioned, meat, poultry, starters, baking etc...

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 20:59

Nope not that delia one.

It was plain dull kind of embossed cardy look (vague again!)

OP posts:
Doodle2U · 29/12/2008 21:02

It was called The Good Housekeeping Cookery Compendium.

Inside is written:- Compiled by Good Housekeeping Institute BASIC COOKERY for the Waverley Book Company Limited.

Looks like an old Bible or 1st edition. I have a copy by my elbow right now. Were you after a particular recipe?

jollyholly · 29/12/2008 21:04

My Good Housekeeping one sounds like that, black, with sections on veg, meat, sauces etc.here

LynetteScavo · 29/12/2008 21:05

Ooooh, my mum had that book too (it was a wedding present)- every thing looked so delicious because the pictures were funny colours - but nothing actualy turned out that colour in real life, which was a bit disapointing when I was a child.

My mum always said it was a rubbish book, as nothing ever turned out properly - then she got a new oven and realised the book was fine.

bigTillyMint · 29/12/2008 21:06

My mum has / had one of those I think - must have been published just after the war?

norksinmywaistband · 29/12/2008 21:08

How about this one

Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 21:08

doodle2u - are you able to take a picture pleaseI wanted to check it's the right one. I don't remember which recipes, everything she cooked was out that book to be honest!

jolly - it's not that one, it's too new. It would be early 80s at the youngest...

OP posts:
Doodle2U · 29/12/2008 21:08

It says:- First published in 1952 and the last revised date i have in my very ancient copy is 1955. It also says:- Copyright by The National magazine Co. Ltd.

Doodle2U · 29/12/2008 21:09

OK - I'll have a go now. Will put pics on my profile.

bigTillyMint · 29/12/2008 21:09

Norks, that is my mums book

I loved the technicolor pictures too

Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 21:10

norks - oooooh

That's the front cover, yes, although I don't think it's the spine. I also don't think it was a three parter, I don't remember it saying part 1 anywhere.

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 21:10

norks - oooooh

That's the front cover, yes, although I don't think it's the spine. I also don't think it was a three parter, I don't remember it saying part 1 anywhere.

OP posts:
Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 21:10

norks - oooooh

That's the front cover, yes, although I don't think it's the spine. I also don't think it was a three parter, I don't remember it saying part 1 anywhere.

OP posts:
norksinmywaistband · 29/12/2008 21:10

So glad I could help

Original poster
lunavix · 29/12/2008 21:11

oops sorry getting a bit excted

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TWINSETinapeartree · 29/12/2008 21:11

My mum had a good housekeeping book that she passed on to me, I used if faithfully when I first got my own place. I still use the ratatouille recipe.

I think its cover was green ( I have passed it on to my little sister and can't remember) but had A4 colour pictures in it.

ranting · 29/12/2008 21:11

Yep norks that was the one my nan had.
'Memories...like the corners of my mind'