I didn't know about National Cookbook Month until several months ago when it was mentioned in something I was reading. No history or background was provided as it was just referenced, so I decided to do a little research. Cookbooks, also known as "cookery books", gained popularity with the arrival of the printing press in the 16th and 17th centuries. American Cookery, the first American collection, was published in 1796. There are books which proceeded that date, of course, and people have always shared their own favorites with family and friends. Like most of you, I have acquired cookbooks over the years. I keep my collection in this cabinet above my planning center where they are easily accessible. The top shelf also contains some yellow envelopes of organized overflow and you will note my recipe box on the second shelf. It was a gift from my cousin while she and I were in high school. It was handmade and she has a matching one!
I consider one of the best varieties of cookbooks to be those from churches. Typically spiral bound, I have several of those. This is my very first one and was a childhood gift from my sister when I was ten years old.
This one is from my childhood and was published the year I was born. It has so many good recipes and such a variety.
These are oldies, but goodies I received right before I was married. My cousins gave me this one.
While this one was a shower gift from my mother.
My aunt picked-up these little antique cookbooks at their church sale and are so much fun to read.
This is the newest to my collection and was a retirement gift from a friend. It's a beautiful book of Amish recipes.
All of my "cookery books" are special to me. Most were gifts, all have meaning and each and every single one gets used. How about you? Do you have special cookbooks that you use and enjoy?
Happy National Cookbook Month!