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Culinary Pamphlets Online is a digital library prototype showcasing a collection of culinary promotional pamphlets created by American food-related companies primarily during the first half of the 20th century. Containing recipes, artwork, and advertisements, these pieces of ephemera are far more than just miniature cookbooks. They provide an interesting perspective into American social history during the time of their creation, particularly related to attitudes about nutrition and health, especially with the rise of packaged and mass-produced foods; gender roles, especially the role of the housewife in relation to cooking and home economics; and the marketing of food products and kitchen appliances to consumers.
Featured Item
The New Jell-O Book of Surprises
Cover of an illustrated pamphlet of recipes using Jell-O, including entrees, salads, relishes, and desserts. Promotes Jell-O as "new and different and…
Featured Collection
Baking & Oils
Culinary pamphlets related to baking products and recipes for baking. Includes flour, vegetable oil, and shortening.
Featured Exhibit
Spry Comics
Betty Crocker, Aunt Jemima, Aunt Jenny—female characters have long been used in food company advertising. Aunt Jenny was a character created...
Recently Added Items
Royal Products
Inside cover of pamphlet "Royal Desserts and Salads" containing recipes for desserts, salads, and entrees using Royal Quick Setting Gelatin, Royal…
Metropolitan Cook Book 1925
Cover of a recipe pamphlet, "Metropolitan Cook Book", intended to aid families in planning "nourishing" meals for "healthful eating". Front cover…
Aunt Jenny Shows Bride Secret of Cake Success (2)
P. 17 from pamphlet "Enjoy good eating every day : the easy Spry way". Comic depiction of Aunt Jenny offering advice to a young bride using Spry with…