The Household Searchlight Recipe Book

Thursday, August 26, 2010
I have a small collection of vintage cookbooks. They include The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer, The American Woman's Cook Book, and The Houshold Searchlight Recipe Book. All are dear to me but the one I LOVE is my 1936 copy of The Household Searchlight Recipe Book. It was a gift to me from my late Grandmother-in-law. The recipes from this book were contributed by readers of Household Magazine, published in the earlier half of the 20th century in Topeka, Kansas. There is even a complete copy of the magazine online (Household Magazine). Have you ever seen a copy of this great book? What cookbooks did your grandmother have in her collection. I NEVER saw a cookbook in my own Grandmother's house. Amazing since not only was she a great cook but also a wonderful baker!



Here are a couple recipes from the book.

Pear Cranberry Jam

This old-fashioned jam recipe is from The Household Searchlight cookbook. Recommended methods for processing preserves have changed over the years. Remember to use 'proper canning' methods if you make this recipe!

2 Cups Dried Pears
3 Cups Water
2 Cups Cranberries
3 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Thinly Sliced Fresh Apples

Remove cores from pears. Wash pears. Chop. Wash cranberries. Combine fruits, water, and sugar. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and clear. Pour into sterilized glasses. Cover with melted paraffin.

Chutney

This old-fashioned jam recipe is from the September 1934 issue of The Household Magazine. Recommended methods for processing preserves have changed over the years. Remember to use 'proper canning' methods if you make this recipe!

10 Sour Apples, Chopped
2 Green Peppers, Chopped
1 Onion, Chopped
1/2 Cup Chopped Preserved Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 Cup Raisins
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1 1/2 Cups Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Mustard Seed
6 Whole Cloves
1/2 Teaspoon Allspice
1/2 Bay Leaf
2/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

Combine ingredients. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thick. Pour into sterilized jars. Seal. -- Mrs. Howard E. Argabright, Wellston, Ohio.

Sharing at Suzanne's Vintage Thingie Thursday!