Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two Cook Book, First Ediition, First Printing, 1958

Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two Cook Book, first edition, first printing, 1958.

Betty's introduction is both classic 1950s and just slightly progressive in its messaging: "Dinners for two can be just as exciting, varied, and delicious as those for a larger number. And this book is designed for you brides, business girls, career wives, and mothers of married children."

The table of contents features headings like "Pennywise Dinners", "Good-and-Easy Dinners", Special Occasion Dinners for Two", and "Seasonal Specials".  The "American Favorites" chapter lists the most popular meals based on a poll of "business men, teachers, children, homemakers, farmers, and the governors of forty-eight states" and reads as follows:

1. Broiled Steak 2. Roast Beef 3. Fried Chicken 4. Baked Ham 5. Braised Pork Chops 6. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 7. Apple Pie 8. Strawberry Shortcake 9. Ice Cream 10. Broiled Hamburgers 11. Beef Stew 12. Baked Beans

Not much on this list for the vegetarian or vegan in 1958, but the cook book is filled with 425 recipes as well as a special "When Company Comes" section and there are plenty of non-meat offerings.  Measuring approximately 7 7/8" x 5 3/4", the book is spiral-bound with 207 pages.

The illustrations by Charles Harper are done in his iconic 1950s style with colors that successfully evoke mid-century America.

This is a very special Betty Crocker volume filled with recipes that will transport you to a time and place when life was different, but definitely delicious.