I haven’t felt much like blogging, but I’m feeling overdue. I’m thankful for blogger challenges such as “What’s on Your Plate?” and “What’s on Your Book Shelf?” I’m going to slip under the November deadline with a belated Thanksgiving post right now! I’m also grateful for my talented and attentive husband, whose been doing more than his share of the cooking this year. What’s on my book shelf? My husband’s collection of old cook books. What’s on my plate? Meals cooked by my husband using those old cook books.
These are the cook books I assumed would be donated when we first got married – merging and purging. These are also the books that got a real workout during the pandemic and my concurrent scuffle with cancer. We are private. It’s one thing to write essays about things that inspire me, like travel and art. It’s another to write about something that causes anxiety and uncertainty. Fortunately, I’ve been under the best medical care, husband care, and enjoying some very good meals!
This blog features two of my favorite recipes from my husband’s collection. I would have been sorry had these books ended up at the charity shop. Both are two-part recipes and messy, but make good leftover portions and are very “repeatable” (as my husband says.)
The first is lasagna, which comes from Joy of Cooking, by Irma Bombauer, originally published in 1931. We have the 1975 edition updated by her daughter Marion. My husband uses the “Italian Meat Sauce for Pasta” recipe combined with the “Lasagna” recipe. These 2 recipes are 137 pages apart, which baffles me. My lasagna recipe is fully integrated, but I can’t argue with the success achieved by his. I’m happy to have him be the king of lasagna in our household. My only role is to separate the noodles and, in this case, take photos. He always doubles the recipe, serves up the first of it hot from the oven, then freezes future meals into zip-lock bags. It’s as delicious reheated from frozen and makes dinner easy for weeks to come.
The second recipe comes from Madhur Jaffrey’s Indian Cooking, published in 1982. It’s another two part recipe, for butter chicken. You start with the “Tandoori-style Chicken” recipe, then complete it with the “Chicken in a Butter Sauce recipe” (which follows logically behind the Tandoori in the cook book.)
Once again, I have only a minor role…filling the condiment dishes and pouring drinks. It makes a nice table with all of the colors.
And yes, I had wine instead of beer with my cancer (I mean Indian meal.) I say “had” because today I am officially in remission! Happy Thanksgiving to us! I should now dust off some of my old cook books and help out in the kitchen for a change! What are some of your favorite recipes from old cook books?
ARTISTIC PENSION 
I’m coming over right now! I think lasagna (and meatloaf) are an act of love! And clearly this cooking was curative as well. There is love in the book, in the pot, and clearly – in your life.
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Yes, including from you my beautiful friend!
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Love this post! I am happy that you are being well taken care of, Tracey. The food looks amazing. Yes, old cookbooks/recipes are often the best. And everything old eventually becomes new again, so there’s that! 😁
Deb
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Thanks Deb! I often find myself going back to old books/recipes. I try new ones from magazines occasionally , but they just don’t seem as good or as well laid out.
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So sorry to hear you’ve been on the C journey. Even best case scenario and good health care providers don’t make it easier. Glad you are in remission and that you feel like blogging. As to lasagna love it – it’s work but so worth it and hopefully leftovers. The butter chicken recipe seems quite different than the one my east Indian friend taught me but it’s not surprising as I am sure there are many variations. Oh and kudos for tying in both challenges into one!
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Thank you Bernie! Yes, I’m sure there are variations on this recipe. I can’t imagine any of them not being delicious though!
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Hi Tracey, isn’t it wonderful that cookbooks that survived the merge/purge edit are such a source of love, comfort and inspiration now! Thanks for sharing your great news about cancer now in remission. I am just starting my own health challenge, but, like you, the support of loved ones near and far provides faith that all things are possible. Much love, Lori
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Hi Lori, Yes! It’s been wonderful! I’m wishing you the best. Private message me your progress. I’m afraid I’ve lost some of my contact info lately. My email is still tastubbs6@aol.com. Love to you!!!
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This post made me super happy and thankful for you two❣️
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That post made me super happy❣️ And thankful. ❤️🙏🏻
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Barb, Mark says he learned how to cook from Rodger! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Lucky you to have a man who likes to cook! I love lasagna and love having lots of leftovers almost as well. That Tandoori-style chicken looks yummy too! I am slowly getting rid of my cookbooks (I often find new recipes on the googles) but I still have my (1975 edition) of The Joy of Cooking also.
I’m so, so happy to know that you are now in remission and that you feel inspired enough to get back to blogging. Lots to be grateful for!
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Hi Janis! I think we are both lucky in that regard! By the way, we were looking at an old Delia Smith book tonight and flagged this recipe for the holidays. Made me think of your husband’s cheesecake. I’m thinking, since I’m married to an engineer, I might get this complicated recipe served next month!
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/international/european/british/caramelised-orange-trifle
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Oh my, that sounds yummy. I hope you (or hubby) makes it and you can share the results. I’ve never made a trifle before… I’m not sure I’ve tasted one either.
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Congratulations on all accounts! Remission, Mark’s cooking, and keeping the cookbooks are all wins!
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Thanks Deb, it’s good news for sure!
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Pingback: What’s On Your Plate – November: Win-Win Eating! – Retirement Reflections
Kazmosmo said it all — there is so much love in this post, and in the recipes shared, that it radiates from the screen. Thank you for linking up to WOYP and WOYBS and sharing this with us.
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Thanks for the inspiration!
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I can’t think of any specific recipes but I often reach for the “Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.” I also like the “Southern Living Cookbook”
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Better Homes and Gardens is one of my go-tos. I love how its organized!
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Tracey, thanks for sharing your good news and these two delicious-looking recipes. I’d be inclined to make them both. Most of our cookbooks are packed away in storage (the few that survived the purge back in July). One of my all-time favorite recipes is from Martha Stewart – it’s a rolled chicken breast stuffed with feta and spinach. We once made it for a group of 32 as part of a progressive dinner. Gosh, I haven’t thought of that in years (the dinner party, not the chicken). Thanks for inspiring me to travel back in time this morning. I used to own the Joy of Cooking book. I do hope I had the good sense to pack it.
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Wouldn’t dinner parties once again be great!? Hopefully some day we will be able to double and triple those recipes again. Thanks for the comments!!
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I am so thrilled that you are officially on remission! And… I have versions of both these cookbooks and have not made either recipe ao thanks for the great suggestions and fabulous photos of all! See you very soon!
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Merry Christmas Lori! Yes, brunch on Bainbridge Island soon!
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