Reading a life through recipes

While browsing a local antique store the other day, I came across yet another of the vintage recipe boxes I love to collect (when they're cheap!), and this $3.50 cardboard model fit the bill. I prefer the old metal recipe boxes, but since the price was so good, I decided to add this one to my growing collection. I have so much fun poring through the old recipes and trying to conjure up the woman who once cherished them.

I wish sellers wouldn't tape their prices atop the graphics of old collectibles. I've had books and other items lose part of their image this way, but again, this time, I was interested in the old recipes more than the box itself, so the tape remains on this box's padded lid.

And this collection of recipes did not disappoint! I love seeing things like this old paella recipe from Burhop's Quality Seafood in Chicago. Typewritten, even!

This particular handwritten recipe made me smile because of the title. Check out the second ingredient and you'll understand where it got its name.

This cook even saved a Coco Lopez can label with recipes on the back, and I was delighted to find a date—1949.

This Family Circle magazine recipe card (did these once come inside the magazine?) is dated 1966, and I was happy to see that it was a treat said to be "just big enough for a teatime treat." This isn't the first time I've seen an old recipe calling for envelopes of "liquid chocolate," which I gather can be hard to find today.

Finally, this handwritten recipe for "Honolulu Cooler" is basically a pineapple-and-citrus punch recipe that includes tea! I haven't made it yet, as I don't have a need for a big batch of punch anytime soon, but I decided to share it here in case any of you are willing to give it a try. I love reading these old recipes, and I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of them too!

And a final note: If you missed Friday's post, please revisit it so you can enter to win a copy of The Vintage Christmas Cookbook for you or a friend. And please, please, please make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner. I think the Blogger settings must have changed for some readers since I have so many entries from "Anonymous" this time!