The Kitchenette Cookbook and Words to Live By

Designed for the "businesswoman," The Kitchenette Cookbook offers interesting advice as well as recipes and menus. (photo by Courtney)

Cookbooks published prior to World War II hold a particular interest for me, so I couldn't resist The Kitchenette Cookbook, Ruth Taylor's 1936 "practical, economical, detailed and reliable cook book for the business woman--and man--whose time, purse, and space is limited." I'm very glad I didn't. The book takes a menu-driven approach to cooking for one, for two, or for entertaining, with tips on how to organize a small kitchen, plan for late meals, and stock an emergency larder. Many of the recipes and menus are interesting, and I will certainly try a few (although I need to make more progress first in the Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cookery!).

The real smiles, though, come from the advice. Ms. Taylor is adamant that "a woman today can hold down practically any job a man can," but her advice is a bit more reflective of her times than that can-do attitude. A few samples:

"On the subject of aprons--do have plenty of them...and remember to have them very becoming."

"The business woman knows the importance of [three meals a day], too, and for the most part she sticks to it, for doctors and beauty specialists, both, have warned her what a faulty diet will do to her health and appearance, which, after all, are her chief stock in trade."

and

"The first essential for a comfortable dinner for one, is a becoming housegown or lounging pajamas...Don't sit down to a scratch dinner, tired out, and dressed any old way. You probably won't digest, and certainly won't enjoy, such a dinner."

One more note before this goes up on the shelf for the time being. Published just a few years after the 1933 repeal of prohibition in the U.S., the book has a chapter on alcohol, including advice on wines and cocktail recipes. In this case, her advice is well taken. "Now that repeal has come in," notes Taylor, "we are having to learn how to drink intelligently. This does not mean learning to drink--but rather learning how to drink--which is a most invaluable asset or the business woman."