Great dinners from Life

by Eleanor Graves

A new copy of a vintage cookbook from 1969.

Genres: Cookbooks

239 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Kevin Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have owned this cookbook since the 70s. It is not so much a cook book as it is a dinner party book. Some classic recipes, several which have become standards in my repertoire. Gingered carrots, chocolate cheesecake. mmmmm

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Organized as a series of themed dinner parties that can be hosted over 4 seasons, most recipes are structured for 6-12 people. Many - most - of these dishes I will never try, comprised of themes & ingredients dated by 21st century standards (aspic, anyone?). But what I like about vintage cookbooks is seeing how culinary trends have changed over time, and the influence they’ve had on modern recipes (or the tips & tricks lost to time). For example the Yorkshire pudding recipe suggests substituting rainwater or melted snow for milk. Huh? Try finding that on the internet! There is a chestnut soup recipe that caught my eye that is almost identical to a popular Wolfgang Puck recipe that can be found online - which substitutes chicken broth for the home-made veal knuckle broth and seasons with thyme instead of cloves in the original. Both of these dishes I’m interested in trying - to see if these flavours & methods hold up over time.

[Dave Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic cookbook. Each chapter is a complete meal, with huge photos that originally appeared in Life Magazine. Eleanor lays out the recipes in a fashion that lets you believe that you can actually prepare these great dinners.

I've learned that the photos were all taken in her apartment in NYC. The series appeared every week, so she had to have a complete menu worked out and prepared for photography every week. I remember seeing the series as it appeared, and then eagerly buying the book.

It's now a book that we give to young women who are getting married. The recipes and the plan for preparing the whole meal will help them tackle and serve these great meals. And the photos will help motivate them.

The book is sadly long out of print, but used copies abound.