Cookbook Collecting and Collectible Cookbook Reviews

Susan Branch Author Signature & Bio

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Girlfriends Forever Cookbook Dust Jacket Cover - Susan Branch

Susan Branch is a widely known cookbook and crafts author, known for her beautiful hand-written, watercolor decorated books. Girlfriends Forever is one of Branch's most popular books. I've owned several of her books and have only come across this one signed copy. I'm assuming she indeed has many book signings, etc but still would have expected to have come across more signed copies than the one.

Signed copies usually sell for around $30 though again, not many signed copies of this book come up online (and it's her most popular). Unsigned used copies can be purchased for $6 - $13 online.

About Susan Branch

Good luck finding a bio on Susan Branch. She publishes a lot of information about her childhood, inspiration for her books, family life, etc but there aren't many sites containing a classic bio for Branch. What details can be found have mainly to do with her childhood and the fact that her books are hand-painted/illustrated and that she is a self-taught artist. There isn't even a Wikipedia entry on her...amazing, she is such a household name in the cookbook and crafting world and little is written about her in the traditional sense.

Cookbooks by Susan Branch

* Autumn for the Heart of the Home
* Baby Love
* Christmas from the Heart of the Home
* Christmas Joys
* Christmas Memories
* Days from the Heart of the Home
* Girlfriends Forever
* Heart of the Home
* Heart of the Home Address Book
* Love from the Heart of the Home
* The Summer Book
* Sweets to the Sweet: A Keepsake Book from Heart of the Home
* Vineyard Seasons

Website Susan Branch

Signature Sample Susan Branch
"Girlfriends Forever"

Average Price Used = $6 - $13
Average Price Used and Signed = $30

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Best 5 TV Show Themed Cookbooks

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:46:00 +0000

Sopranos Family Cookbook Dust Jacket Cover

As follow up to a series of Best 5 cookbooks in various cookbook collecting specialization categories, I've selected television show-themed cookbooks as my newest topic.

In terms of collecting, these books are a fun, nostalgic find. Generally, as you will see from the final auction prices below, TV-theme cookbooks don't tend to be valued very high. In fact, they usually sell high at retail but have little resell value. Still, they are a personal favorite and always a great read.

One of the most popular of current times is the Sopranos Family Cookbook. There is a sequel to that book as well that is more recent and equally as popular.

1. AUNT BEE DESSERTS COOKBOOK Andy Griffith Show
Format: Softcover Spiral-Bound
Copyright: 1996
Author: Ken Beck and Jim Clark
Publisher: Rutledge Hill
Final Auction Price: $10.50
From the jacket cover: Aunt Bee did more than warm the hearts of Andy, Opie, Barney, and Goober on The Andy Griffith Show - She filled their lives with good advice—and good food! And the hands-down favorites from Aunt Bee's kitchen were her desserts. From pies to cakes, from cookies to homemade ice cream, there is an abundance of recipes in Aunt Bee's Delightful Desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Sprinkled among these mouthwatering treats are dialogue from the show, photos—including some never before published—and trivia quizzes.

Who is better than Aunt Bee at baking after-school treats for Opie or topping a pie in case Helen and Andy have coffee after the picture show? So slow down and stop by the Taylors' for a bite of something sweet. Go around to the kitchen. Aunt Bee is expecting you.

2. Sopranos Family Cookbook - Sopranos
Format: Hardcover and dust jacket, 200 pages
Copyright: 2002
Compiled by: Artie Bucco
Publisher: Warner Books
Final Auction Price: $10.50
From the jacket cover: Nuovo Vesuvio. The "family" restaurant, redefined. Home to the finest in Napolitan' cuisine and Essex County's best kept secret. Now Artie Bucco, la cucina's master chef and your personal host, invites you to a special feast... with a little help from his friends.

From arancini to zabaglione, from baccala to Quail Sinatra-style, Artie Bucco and his guests, the Sopranos and their associates, offer food lovers one hundred Avellinese-style recipes and valuable preparation tips. But that's not all! Artie also brings you a cornucopia of precious Sopranos artifacts that includes photos from the old country; the first Bucco's Vesuvio's menu from 1926; AJ's school essay on "Why I Like Food"; Bobby Bacala's style tips for big eaters, and much, much more. So share the big table with:

- Tony Soprano, waste management executive"Most people soak a bagful of discount briquettes with lighter fluid and cook a pork chop until it's shoe leather and think they're Wolfgang Puck." Enjoy his tender Grilled Sausages sizzling with fennel or cheese. Warning: Piercing the skin is a fire hazard.

- Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Tony's uncle"Mama always cooked. No one died of too much cholesterol or some such crap." Savor his Pasta Fazool, a toothsome marriage of cannellini beans and ditalini pasta, or Giambott, a grand-operatic vegetable medley.

- Carmela Soprano, Tony's wife"If someone were sick, my inclination would be to send over a pastina and ricotta. It's healing food." Try her Baked Ziti, sinfully enriched with three cheeses, and her earthy 'Shcarole with Garlic.

- Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri, associate of Tony Soprano"I have heard that Eskimos have fifty words for snow. We have five hundred words for food." Sink your teeth into his Eggs in Purgatory—eight eggs, bubbling tomato sauce, and an experience that's pure heaven.

As Artie says, "Enjoy, with a thousand meals and a thousand laughs. Buon'appetito!"

3. The Little House Cookbook - Little House on the Prairie
Format: Softcover, 240 pages
Copyright: 1979
Author: Babara M. Walker
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing
Final Auction Price: $8.00
From the jacket cover:There are over 100 unique recipes of classic pioneer food—dishes.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family shared throughout their lives on the frontier. From pancake men to vanity cakes, recreate the very foods described in the beloved Little House books, all of which have been adapted for a modern kitchen. Even more than a cookbook, this collection is a social history of frontier life.

For the Ingallses, and many pioneers, feeding the family was a task that involved everyone. Pa hunted and farmed for food, Ma prepared and preserved it, and the children helped in both activities. This book celebrates the rich communion of a pioneer family working, cooking, and eating together, in a time when putting food on the table meant more than just a meal—it meant survival.

4. Cooking with Friends - Friends
Format: Hardcover and dust jacket, 134 pages
Copyright: 1995
Author: Amy Lyles Wilson with Jack Bishop
Publisher: Rutledge Hill Press
Final Auction Price: $5.00
From the jacket cover: Cooking with Friends invites you to bring Friends from your living room into your kitchen. Even if you and your friends don't hang out at a neighborhood coffee house, Cooking with Friends will inspire you with hundreds of excellent culinary ideas for practically every occasion in your life.

There are Comfort Foods for when "it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year"—perfect food for imperfect times. Blown a job interview? Enjoy garlic infused Stay at Home Pasta. Haven't had a decent date in who knows how long? Eat a slice of Misery Meatloaf. Sent your monkey to live in a zoo? Savor Marcel's Splits with Rum-Toffee Sauce in his memory. And when you've thrown all caution to the wind and let your friend give you a really bad haircut, bite into some Italian Almond Biscotti.

And for those times when things are going your way, you can sample enticing Vegetarian Delights, follow complete menus from Festive and Holiday Selections, and sip on gourmet coffee drinks found in Central Perks.

Along with the book's lighter side, you will also uncover some practical advice for brewing coffee, stocking your pantry, and using a pizza stone.

Combining the camaraderie and wit of the hit television series Friends with contemporary cuisine and familiar favorites, Cooking with Friends serves up good food and good fun, from appetizers to desserts, accompanied by a generous serving of Friends dialogue and photos.

5. Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook - Gilligan's Island
Format: Softcover spiral bound, 240 pages
Copyright: 1993
Author: Ken Beck and Jim Clark
Publisher: Rutledge Hill Press
Final Auction Price: $5.25
From the jacket cover: For three adventurous seasons in the 1960s (and ever since in reruns), the seven Castaways stranded on Gilligan's Island were never without good food. It seemed that whatever they gave Mary Ann - from lobsters and coconuts to papaya and seaweed - in a matter of minutes she could whip up a delicious South Seas banquet.

More than 300 recipes from Mary Ann and other cast members, photographs and stories from the set, trivia questions and answers, dialogue, biographies of the Castaways and others, and an episode guide make Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook the perfect souvenir of one of the most watched shows in the history of television.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:25:00 +0000

Here's a great Thanksgiving time pumpkin bread recipe from a friend of my mother-in-law--she raves about this one so I thought this would be a good time to share it.

Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
2 cups canned pumpkin
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup raisins

Preparation

Cream sugar and oil with beaters (not too much)
Add 2 cans pumpkin

Sift Together
Add the above mixture and mix thoroughly.
Bake in greased and floured loaf pan 1 hour & 15 minutes @ 350 degrees F
or until a toothpick comes out clean
Note: 1 can pumpkin makes 2 loafs (1 can pumpkin = 1lb 13 oz)
Pan should be filled about 3/4 full. Use aluminium pans from supermarket

Best 5 Dessert and Baking Cookbooks

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:39:00 +0000

I thought it would be a nice change of pace to start a little series of Top Cookbooks in various categories. The chosen cookbooks are based on items I've sold through my eBay auctions or store and are based on a combination of final price, book format and popularity.

For the first category I've chosen Desserts/Baking cookbooks. These are always popular in my store and always everyone's favorite. Even for those who don't bake--flipping through a dessert cookbook can inspire even the non-cook to try a recipe out. The reading is almost is as good as tasting the final dish.

I've included each book with some details about the copyright, publisher, etc., as well as a short excerpt from the back of the when available. Remember that the final auction price is a used book price. Baking cookbooks don't generally fetch as much at auction as other cookbook specialization categories so the prices in many cases end of less than that of a new cookbook. In terms of collecting though, these are some of the ones to own as the demand and price are higher than for many used cookbooks sold at auction.

1. Desserts by Pierre Herme
Format: Hardcover and dust jacket, 287 pages
Copyright: 1998
Author: Dorie Greenspan
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Pierre Herme is France's premier pastry chef. In his first English language published cookbook, he has collaborated with Dorie Greenspan, bestselling author of Baking with Julia, to reveal the secrets of his exceptional desserts. This treasury of recipes includes something from every part of Pierre's repertoire and something for everyone, regardless of experience in the kitchen.
Final Auction Price: $42.22

2. Nick Malgieri Great Italian Desserts
Format: Hardcover and dust jacket, 276 pages
Copyright: 1990
Author: Nick Malgieri
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Gelato, cannoli, zuppa inglese, tiramisu--these are some of the Italian desserts Americans have come to love in recent years. But there exists a world of Italian desserts that until now has been unknown outside of Italy. Nick Malgieri, a renowned American pastry chef and teacher, has drawn on his own culinary heritage and that of southern Italy and the Italian-American bakeries of his childhood and has traveled from Sicily to Milan collecting authentic recipes from professionals and home cooks alike.
Final Auction Price: $41.00

3. Cocolat Baking Extraordinary Chocolate Desserts
Format: Hardcover and dust jacket, 204 pages
Copyright: 1990
Author: Alice Medrich
Publisher: Warner Books
In 1976, Alice Medrich opened the first Cocolat, an intimate, "new-style" chocolate dessert shop in Berkeley, California. A devotee of fine European pastry, Ms. Medrich re-created the sophisticated desserts of Vienna, Paris, and Budapest. In this lavish book, the author shares her exclusive techniques with you, enabling you to make the kind of visually stunning, "designer desserts" you thought only a professional could master.
Final Auction Price: $26.52

4. Grand Finales: The Art of The Plated Dessert
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 348 pages
Copyright: 1997
Authors: Tisch Boyle and Timothy Moriarty
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Today, as never before, dessert has taken the appearance of art, with the plate as its canvas. Grand Finales: The Art of the Plated Dessert defines the various styles of plated desserts being presented today.
Final Auction Price: $26.50

5. Spago Chocolate Cookbook
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 237 pages
Copyright: 1999
Authors: Mary Bergin
Publisher: Random House
Spago is a well-known celebrity restaurant in Los Angeles This cookbook includes the recipes for the chocolate desserts people clamored for night after night at Spago. Spago Chocolate is a passport to indulgence and a chance to bring a piece of the Spago magic home, with the promise of recurring pleasure. Now you can make Mary Bergin's unforgettable chocolate desserts at home—just as they are prepared in the Spago kitchens.
Final Auction Price: $15.50

On a side note: my favorite dessert (not in any of the books) Chocolate Souffle @ the former Moustache Cafe restaurant in Beverly Hills, CA. I was able to locate it on the www.cookbooks.com website where they all sorts of hard-to-find recipes. Check out the recipe search there if you haven't used it before.

Moustache Cafe's Chocolate Souffle Recipe

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
6 oz. dark sweet chocolate
1 cup sugar, divided3 oz. milk
4 egg yolks
6 egg whites
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter 6 individual souffle dishes and sprinkle with sugar.
In a saucepan combine chocolate, 2/3 cup sugar and milk.
Cook until chocolate is melted.
Pour into a mixing bowl and add egg yolks. Mix well and set aside.
In another mixing bowl beat egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff.
Fold half of meringue into chocolate mixture until well blended.
Repeat with remaining half. Pour into souffle dishes and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve by itself or with whipped cream on the side.
6 servings.

Felice's Brownie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:09:00 +0000

Ingredients

- 4 squares unsweetened chocolate
- 2 sticks margarine
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup nuts
- Powdered sugar

Preparation

Melt chocolate and mix in margarine
Cool
Beat in sugar and eggs (one at a time)
Add salt and vanilla
Add chocolate chips and nuts
Grease 9"x13" aluminium pan
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes
Cool
Sprinkle with powdered sugar

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Ingredients

- 1 head iceburg lettuce, shredded
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup fresh snow peas, cut in bite-sized pieces
- 1-1/2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 oz. cashews
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked, skin removed, deboned, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can of 15 oz. chinese crunchy noodles

Preparation

Mix together the above ingredients
Refrigerate until serving time
Toss with dressing right before serving

Dressing

Mix together:
- 2 tablespoons mild soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Seasoned Rice Vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Nutritional Info

Serving Size: 4
4 oz. Protein
1 Bread
1 Fat
Approx. 300 calories

Southwestern Soup Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:45:00 +0000

Ingredients

-2 large cans of peel and cut (S&W) tomatoes
- 1 chicken boullion cube
- 1 beef boullion cube
- 2 cups water
- 1 can corn
- 2 green peppers
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 single green onions (whole stalks) chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- Black pepper
- 2 large or 4 small chicken breasts
- 3 Italian turkey sausages (remove casing)
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- Grated jack cheese 2% fat

Preparation

Mix tomatoes, boullion cubes and water
Add drained corn
Add cut chunks of green peppers
Add chopped cilantro
Add chopped green onions
Add chopped onion
Add black pepper to taste
Add cooked chicken breast
Add browned turkey sausage
Add chili powder and ground cumin
Boil ingredients
Cook simmered covered 10 minutes
Top off with a handful of grated Jack cheese

Challah Cheese Strata Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Ingredients

- 18 eggs
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 lb. butter
- 1-1/2 lb. loaf of Challah
- 1 lb. grated cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. grated Jack cheese
- 1 bunch green onions - finely chopped
- 2 to 3 red, yellow or green peppers - mushrooms or black olives are optional

Preparation

Trim crusts from bread and brush both sides with melted butter.
Spray pan (approx. 12" x 16" or 2 small pans) with Pam or other vegetable oil.
Line pan with buttered bread.
Mix Jack & cheddar cheese together and sprinkle over bread.
Add another layer of buttered bread and the other half of the cheese.
Beat eggs and milk together well and poor over bread and cheese.
Spread onions, peppers and any other garnish over top.
Refrigerate overnight.
Bake in 350 degree pre-heated oven for 1-1/2 hours.
If getting to brown, cover with foil.

Nancy Drew Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:55:00 +0000

The Nancy Drew Cookbook Clues to Good Cooking Cover

Cookbook Title: The Nancy Drew Cookbook: Clues to Good Cooking
Author: Carolyn Keene
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlop
Copyright: 1973 (photo shown is 1977 printing)
Format: Hardcover, 159 pages
Specialization Categories: Book Cookbooks
Average Price: $10 - $12
Noted Recipes: The Case of the Smothered Pork Chops, Bess's Secret Chocolate Waffles, Hidden Staircase Biscuits, English Popovers, Tolling Bell Tuna Rolls, Haunted Showboat Pralines

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 5.0
Popularity: 5.0
Investment Outlook: 7.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 5.67

The Nancy Drew Cookbook - Availability Rating - 5.0
This cookbook is somewhat easy to find on auction and other used book sites. There are usually at least a dozen or so copies available on any of the mainstream book sites. Make sure to get the original -- there is a more current reprint available which would not make for a good collectible given the original is the one that will go up in value. The original is printed in a similar format/fashion to that of books from the series during the 60's.

The Nancy Drew Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 5.0
Like all Nancy Drew books, this is is a popular book--mainly among Carolyn Keene fans. Many cookbook collectors may not even have this book on their radar. It is typically among a Nancy Drew collection vs. a cookbook collection. The cookbook gained its popularity from the author and notoriety of the series vs. the recipes or cookbook content itself. Only a Nancy Drew fan would appreciate the book as the recipes are not particularly special or enticing.

The Nancy Drew Cookbook - Investment Outlook Rating- 7.0
This is a great investment. At $10-$12 for a copy of the 70's printings, this book is sure to gain value over time. Many of the earlier Nancy Drew books from the 30's - 50's are worth several times that price. This cookbook may gain popularity again with the reprint which could take the original up more in value as well. There is almost always a demand for this category of cookbook (based on a popular book series or TV series) so you can't lose at today's price.

The Nancy Drew Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 5.67
Overall, this makes a very good collectible cookbook given the fame of Carolyn Keene. Being part of the popular Nancy Drew series alone makes this a wonderful find and something nice to hand down to family as part of a collection.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Here's another great recipe from the files of my mother-in-law. Note there are two variations on the topping below.

Ingredients

- 1 package chocolate fudge cake mix

- 1 can cherry pie filling

- 2 eggs

- 1 teaspoon almond extract

- 1 cup chocolate chips

Preparation

Beat eggs and add other ingredients

Mix by hand

Pour mix into greased 9x12" pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Check if ready with tookpick or by lightly touching top of cake.

Cake is done when toothpick comes out dry and cake springs back to touch.

=====================

Topping #1

Ingredients

- 1 box instant chocolate pudding

- milk

- Cool Whip

Preparation

Preparing pudding using 1 cup less milk than called for on the package.

Refrigerate briefly until soft set (about 2 minutes) and mix with equal part of Cool Whip.

Spread over cooled cake and refrigerate.

=====================

Topping #2

This was part of the original recipe but changed to a different, lighter topping over the years. This is rich and delicious.

Ingredients

- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 5 tablespoons margarine
- 1 cup chocolate chips

Preparation

Prepare cake as described above but omit chocolate chips
Mix sugar, milk and margarine in a small pot. Heat and stir well
Boil 1 minute only
Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir until thickened
Pour immediately on warm cake
Refrigerate until needed

Sylvia's Date and Nut Bread Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:03:00 +0000

This is another great recipe from my wife's grandmother and a very interesting preparation using empty tin cans for the baking forms.

Ingredients

- 1 cup chopped dates (8 oz.)

- 1 cup chopped walnuts

- 2 cups water

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 4 cups plain flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 eggs

- 2 heaping tablespoons butter

- 2 cups sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Approx. 5 empty tin cans (12oz. - you can use empty soup, fruit, etc. cans)

Preparation

Boil 2 cups of water

Add baking soda to water

Add dates and nuts to the boiling water

Set aside to cool

Sift flour and salt

Cream eggs, butter and sugar

Add vanilla

Add dry ingredients, alternating with date & nut mixture and creamed mixture

Grease and flour tin cans and fill half way

Bake at 340 degrees for 45 minutes

Cool

Serving

Remove from cans once completely cooled and cut into round slices. Top with cream cheese or butter and serve.

Photo is for sample only and is not exact representative of the final recipe.

Sweet Potato Orange Cups Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:25:00 +0000

In preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I thought a nice sweet potato recipe was in order. This recipe is courtesy of my mother-in-law's recipe index card file.

Ingredients

- 3 oranges

- 2-1/2 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes

- 1/4 cup light cream

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 18 mini-marshmallows

Preparation

Halve oranges. Remove pulp and cut into small pieces (keep both the cut up pulp and empty orange halves or "cups" for next step.

Combine potatoes, cream, salt, brown sugar and fold in orange pulp.

Pile each sweet potato mixture in orange "cup"

Top each with 3 marshmallows

Please in shallow casserole

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

Photo is for sample only and is not exact representative of the final recipe.

Sylvia's Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Photo: Courtesy of Flickr Photographer savory.recipes / Chef Savory
Creative Commons License

Sylvia's Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

This is my wife's grandmother's recipe. It is very simple and delicious--an easy recipe that has been served in the family many generations over. This is one where you need to feel comfortable preparing recipes to taste. There are no measurements on the sweetener, lemon juice, etc.

Ingredients

- 4 lbs. Ground Beef

- 5 Cans Tomato Sauce

- Salt & Pepper

- Liquid Saccharine

- Lemon Juice

Preparation

Season meat with salt & pepper.

Roll into small balls.

Place carefully in ungreased heavy skillet.

Cover and cook on top of stove (slow)

Shake pan to separate balls.

When meat is medium brown, cover with tomato sauce, lemon juice and sweetener to taste.

Serving
Can be served as an appetizer or main dish. Present with toothpicks.

Photo is for sample only and is not exact representative of the final recipe.

Cookbooks that Fetch the Highest Prices at Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:21:00 +0000

People often wonder what their cookbooks are worth. A simple search on the Internet may yield a vast range of cookbooks that appear at first to be valuable. Don't be fooled. Many cookbook sellers "park" their cookbooks on sites such as Amazon, eBay or Abe Books and ask an insane price, way above the true value.

It would be difficult for me to sit and list prices that my books have fetched over the past year or to name even the top 100 most valuable cookbooks in terms of price. Still, I can give you some pointers as to those coveted cookbooks. My Top 10 Most Collectible Cookbooks posting names highly collectible books--but those are not necessarily based on cost. Instead they are based on the ratings system I use in my reviews. My collectibility reviews also each include values.

Here are some of the cookbooks that stand out in my mind as keepers in terms of an investment or based on price alone. These do not include signed cookbooks as those are in a category of their own and depend on author, availability, etc. Most of these are a bit more mainstream. There are some very valuable cookbooks that are worth these books many times over but they are usually antique or a rare cookbook and seldom seen. I've tried to list some of the books a non-collector or collector alike may have on the shelf.

Send Comments - click the envelope icon at the bottom of the post to comment.
What's your most valuable cookbook?
What's the most you've ever spent on a cookbook and which one was it?

Betty Crocker's Cookbook (red pie cover) $40-$50
Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book - $35 - $50
Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook 1961 - $50 - $70 (can fetch up to $100 like new condition, 1st)
Come Into the Kitchen Cookbook - Mary & Vincent Price - $20 - $35
Dali Les Diners de Gala Cookbook - $75-$80 (I've seen it go for double, this is average pricing)
Desserts by Pierre Herme - Dorie Greenspan $50
Disney Cookbooks - Any
Fine Ole Dixie Recipes 1939 - $200-$400
Great Italian Desserts - Nick Malgieri - $40
Joy of Cooking (good condition 1940's & 1950's) - $30 - $40
Loaves and Fishes Cookbook - Anna Pump - $35-$40
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (set volume 1 & 2) - Julia Child (1st edition) $40
Pillsbury Kitchens' Family Cookbook (1979, 1st) - $40
Treasury of Great Recipes - Mary & Vincent Price - $50 - $125 (fluctuates a lot, 1st in perfect shape can go higher)
True Grits Cookbook - Junior League of Atlanta, Georgia - $35
Weight Watchers Slow Good Super Slow Cooker Cookbook - $60 - $65

Northern Exposure Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:25:00 +0000

The Northern Exposure Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: The Northern Exposure Cookbook (based on the TV Series "Northern Exposure")
A Community Cookook from the Heart of the Alaskan Riviera
Author: Ellis Weiner
Publisher: Contemporary Books
Copyright: 1993
Format: Softcover, 176 pages
Specialization Categories: TV Show Cookbooks, US Local & Regional Cookbooks
Average Price: $12-$23 (depends a lot on availability)
Noted Recipes: Adam's German Apple Pancake, Dave's Eggnog, Adam's Walnut Toast with Warm Goat Cheese, Salmon Loaf, Ruth Ann's Pork Chops, Maggie's Fudge

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 4.0
Popularity: 6.0
Investment Outlook: 5.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 5.0

Every time I auction this book in my eBay store, the response is high. It is according to my traffic stats one of the most popular cookbooks among my listings. I have sold it a few times--on the high end around $23.00. It fluctuates in price based on how many are out there in the market. Sometimes the book is hard to find. It is not commonly seen though if you are searching for it you should be able to find a used copy online.

I never watched the show I don't relate to the appeal but it I thought it was just to cover one of the most popular books in my store--I carry a lot--so those numbers indicate demand pretty well.

The book is essentially a community cookbook from the Alaskan Riviera that is based on the former TV show "Northern Exposure." The book takes the characters from the show and showcases the recipes mentioned in various episodes. There is even a section at the back that references the episode in which the recipe was mentioned.

The Northern Exposure Cookbook - Availability Rating - 4.0
There are usually at least 3-5 copies available on each of the online book sites. You will likely not find this book in a small brick-and-mortar bookstore though a large one with a lot of cookbooks may have it.

The Northern Exposure Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 6.0
The book as I mentioned is very popular--not in a mass market way but it has a following. Each time I list it there are numerous visits on this book--it is always in the top 10 books in terms of traffic to my store when I have it listed. On eBay most copies sell if not outrageously priced.

The Northern Exposure Cookbook - Investment Outlook Rating- 5.0
The investment outlook is pretty good on this book. I think it will become harder to find over time. It is a nice collectible and in a category where not many books are available--namely the TV Show Cookbooks category. The book is valued between $12-$23 and I've seen listings for the upper $30's though I don't think it is worth that much at this time. If you can pick up a copy for the low end of the price range--you are bound to have a good return on your investment as it could fetch double if you desire to sell it at a later point in time.

The Northern Exposure Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 5.0
This is definitely among the books I'd say to try and add to your collection. TV books, TV games, etc. make great collectible investments and the trend is an increase in value over time.

Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:44:00 +0000

The Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: The Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook
Author: Marcia Colman Morton
Publisher: Doubleday & Company
Copyright: 1969
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 228 pages
Specialization Categories: Baking Cookbooks, Vintage Cookbooks, European Cookbooks
Average Price: $10.00
Noted Recipes: Sachertorte,Chocolate Linzertorte, Marienbad Cakes, Cat's Toungues, Lemon Roll a la Hussars, Maraschino Whipped Cream, Cherry Strudel, Apple Strudel, Strawberry Whipped Cream Tarts

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 4.0
Popularity: 2.0
Investment Outlook: 2.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 2.66

Wow. This cookbook is one of my favorites--mainly because THE best dessert is from Austria--Sachertorte...and there is an authentic recipes in this book. Sachertorte is layers of a chocolate sponge cake (not too sweet) with thin layers of apricot jam in the middle of the layers and dark chocolate icing with chocolate shreds on the top and sides. It usually has whipped cream which is my number one favorite dessert ingredient. I always joke I'll have some dessert with my whipped cream. The whipped cream in Sachertorte though doesn't typically have sugar in it.

I came across this book a few times but it is not commonly seen as it is essentially vintage at this point, from 1969. It is definitely not rare, but not a book you come across everyday. I was hoping to see it again to include in my blog. The author is the wife of Frederic Morton, a Jewish-Austrian writer who mainly worked as a columnist for several publications from the New York Times to Esquire to Playboy.

Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook - Availability Rating - 4.0
Although not mainstream as the book is now vintage (1969), it is available on several book sites from eBay to Abe Books. Do not confuse it with "Classic Art of Viennese Pastry" by Christine Berl--a similar, yet more contemporary book.

Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 2.0
This cookbook scores low on the popularity rating as it is virtually an unknown book. It was not a household name at the time of publishing nor is it currently. This does not mean it isn't a great book--just that it is not particular popular.

Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 2.0
In terms of collectibility, this cookbook is not very investment worthy though I strongly recommend the book as a great resource for recipes. Again, these ratings go into collectibility and value in terms of a collection vs. whether it is a great cookbook or not.

Art of Viennese Pastry Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 2.66
The final collectibility factor comes in low--one of the lowest of my reviews. Ironically, this is one of the better pastry/baking books out there. It does not have fancy frills; it is mainly text with minimal photography, is is not popular...but it is a wonderful book with great detail on Austrian baking. This is a good resource for a pastry chef.

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Starbucks Passion for Coffee
Author: Starbucks Corporation
Publisher: Starbucks Corporation
Copyright: August 1994, First Edition, First Printing
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 96 pages
Specialization Categories: Restaurant Cookbook
Average Price: $1-$5
Noted Recipes: Coffee Creme Brulle, Apricot-Citrus Scones, Chocolate Fudge Squares with Mocha Glaze, Almond Macaroons

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 2.0
Popularity: 5.0
Investment Outlook: 4.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 3.67

Starbucks merchandising and marketing are almost as popular as their coffee. I used to sell a lot of Starbucks mugs and tumblers but they are getting harder and harder to find. I just sold a Starbucks Tokyo Mug for over $60. Starbucks may be having a difficult time in the coffee business but their merchandise remains highly collectible and many items have increased in value several times over. I chose their popular cookbook - Starbucks Passion for Coffee for this collectibility review. Starbucks collectors have been collecting their merchandise for years but cookbook collectors may not yet have added a copy of this book into their collection.

This book contains not only step-by-step instructions on brewing the perfect cup of coffee, but also contains 34 recipes for coffee accompaniments or desserts and pastries made with coffee as an ingredient.

The book has some nice full-color photographs of the finished recipes, though I can't say they will make you hungry. The photography is a bit dark--more artistic and fitting for the book's design than to make you crave the actual dish. I found the brewing and coffee preparation chapters to be more interesting than the recipe section. I am actually surprised the cover didn't utilize Starbucks own merchandise in the photo. The book's design is average, not a word you'd associate with Starbucks design but in the cookbook world the design and format are a bit boring. I think Starbucks could have done better with it.

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook - Availability Rating - 2.0
This may seem like a low rating but quite the opposite. The more available the book in most cases, the less valuable and therefore a lower rating for this widely available book. The book can be found just about everywhere and it is likely you'll see it at a garage sale, used bookstore or just about every online bookstore out there.

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 5.0
Though so many of these books are out in the market, I've given it an average popularity rating. It's $1-$2 used sales price would indicate that the book is not quite as popular as other cookbooks out there. This book is essentially a mass-market book and those tend to go down in popularity after the initial excitement wears. A lot of people also assume this book is coffee/beverage recipes only and that is not the case since there are 34 recipes for pastries, desserts, etc. included.

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 4.0
Almost all Starbucks merchandise make good collectibles. This book is no exception. It may take many years for the book to gain back some of its value but if passed down in a collection, I think this is a good bet (I'm talking generations from now...).

Starbucks Passion for Coffee Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 3.67
The book doesn't score terribly high on the final collectibility factor rating--mainly because its mass-market production makes it common, easy-to-find and overly available. I do think it is a good investment (for the $1-$5 it costs) for a serious collector to add a copy to their collection. These collections are often passed down in the family and as I mention in the investment outlook section, after many years, this book will definitely be considered a collectible!

Taste of Holland Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:22:00 +0000

A Taste of Holland Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: A Taste of Holland Cookbook
Author: Swanny Bosch

Publisher: Arts and Crafts Book Mfg. Spokane, WA
Copyright: 1977 (out-of-print)
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 144 pages

Specialization Categories: Dutch Cookbooks, European Cookbooks, Vintage Cookbooks

Average Price: $4-5 used

Noted Recipes: Rode Kool (Spiced Red Cabbage), Vlees (Meat) Croquettes Pannekoeken (Real Holland Pancakes), Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts), Limburgse Vlaaien (Limburg Pies/Tarts)

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 1.0
Popularity: 1.0
Investment Outlook: 3.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 1.67

Since I'm a Dutchman, I thought it would be fitting to review a cookbook with recipes from my native country--The Netherlands (Holland). The Dutch tend to eat dishes from all over the world. Many people have asked me--what is the food like in Holland? It's always hard to answer as Indian food is to England or Mexican food is to California--Indonesian or French food are to The Netherlands. The Dutch tend to have a little bit of everything which makes it such a nice place to visit. You can find food from all regions of the world in Amsterdam where I lived for several years before moving to the States. My wife says the pancakes, pastries and desserts are the only things she misses about the Dutch food. I of course miss a lot--from the salted herring to my mother's Indonesian Kip Sate met Pindasaus (chicken satay with peanut sauce).

A Taste of Holland, like so many of the Dutch cookbooks I've come across, are thin...with minimal recipes. The book has one recipe per page and is a brief book but the author does try and give some Dutch background about the foods which makes it a little more interesting.

A Taste of Holland Cookbook - Availability Rating - 1.0

This cookbook is scarce. In fact, I couldn't find a single copy available online--only a mention of it in Amazon with an "Out of Print" next to it. None of the major book sites carried it. My copy is not even a store copy, it is a signed cookbook, but an old withdrawn library cookbook. I can't even venture the average price but I'd have to put it as just a few dollars.

A Taste of Holland Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 1.0

This book is likely an unknown. I believe the author is an unkown author as well, therefore I can only rank the book with the lowest popularity rating. This added with no available copies tells me it was not a mass published or popular book in its time. To be honest--I don't think the book delivers much value given it includes the bare basics of recipes. Still, if you are a Dutch expat like me, it could be inspiring and bring back memories of home.

A Taste of Holland Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 3.0

I've given the investment outlook rating a 3.0 since there are so few Dutch cookbooks (The Netherlands, not Pennsylvania Dutch) available. They are few and far between. I figure given its scarcity it could be an interesting collectible in The Netherlands, likely not in the United States.

A Taste of Holland Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 1.67
My Final Collectibility Factor Rating is sadly a 1.67, my lowest rating to date. Usually a book this scarce would be a truly unbelievable find but this book is virtually an unknown and not a very intersting cookbook. The format is simple, the recipes are simple...it's a step up from a "make your own cookbook" and now days with Tastebook, those are even beautiful and professional.

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:16:00 +0000

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook
Author: Bobby Flay
Publisher: Hyperion, New York
Copyright: 1999
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 274 pages

Specialization Categories: Barbecue & Grilling Cookbooks, Celebrity Chef Cookbooks

Average Price: $8.00 used, $21 new and $20 - $30 signed

Noted Recipes: Barbecued Chicken Quesadillas with Grilled Tomato Salsa and Buttermilk Dressing, Pan Seared Porterhouse Steaks with Honey-Mustard Pan Juice, Spicy Barbecued Ribs with Peanut-Green Onion Relish, Key Lime Pudding Cake

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 2.0
Popularity: 7.0
Investment Outlook: 4.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 4.33

I often review vintage cookbooks but decided to spin tonight and write on something contemporary, yet a popular cookbook collectible in its own right. Bobby Flay will surely be known as a top authority on grilling and barbecue for years to come. His popularity only seems to grow, unlike some of the other celebrity chefs who have been overmarketed and diluted their talents through what I call "chain cookbooks," similar to Starbucks--one on every corner and it becomes less interesting. This particular cookbook is one of my favorite barbecue/grilling books to date. The book lacks for nothing with beautiful color photos, a clean, contemporary layout of the recipes, easy instruction and interesting recipes.

The name Bobby Flay always brings the word "grill" to mind. In recent years Flay has reached celebrity chef status from his popular cooking shows -- one of which is Boy Meets Grill. Boy Meets Grill is a popular Food Network TV cooking show whereby Flay is the host and offers grilling tips to his audience. Bobby Flay is also the owner of several acclaimed restaurants including Mesa Grill in New York City, Las Vegas and The Bahamas, plus Bar American in New York City.

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook - Availability Rating - 2.0

This book is still widely available both new and used. It can be found on all the popular book sites including eBay and Amazon.

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 7.0

Bobby Flay's books are all popular as are most of the celebrity chef cookbooks from the popular Food Network shows. Grilling and barbecue books are one of the top categories of purchases in my eBay cookbook store. As I mention earlier, the book lacks for nothing. It won't let you down. The beautiful format and very interesting spin on common grilling recipes certainly makes the cookbook live up to its popularity. The recipes themselves are not plain or simple--but they are for the most part simple to make--designed for chefs of all levels.

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 4.0

If there is one Bobby Flay book to own as a future cookbook collectible or investment, this would be the one I'd choose--mostly as it relates to his TV show of the same name. This is the book that people will remember when they think of Bobby Flay cookbooks. I think it is wise to add cookbooks from some of the contemporary chefs to a cookbook collection. Though they are mass produced--many of the more collectible cookbooks today such as the Betty Crocker cookbooks--were also mass produced. Now look at them...the values keep going up.

Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 4.33
My Final Collectibility Factor Rating is the sum of the above ratings. Though the rating tends to be on the lower end, this has to do with collectibility. The cookbook itself is a great buy. I highly recommend it.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook for Men
Author: Trader Vic
Publisher: Doubleday & Company

Copyright: 1952
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket, 223 pages

Specialization Categories: Vintage Cookbooks, Restaurant Cookbooks, Humorous Cookbooks
Average Price: $10

Noted Recipes: Pete's Meatballs, Red Snapper Fisherman Style, Butterfly Steaks Flambe, Victor Denny Waffles, Strawberries Victor Hugo

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 7.0
Popularity: 6.0
Investment Outlook: 6.5
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 6.5

Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) is a well known personality in the culinary world. His restaurants can be found in several cities around the world including Beverly Hills, Oman, Palo Alto, Berlin and more. He is also known for his several cocktail-oriented books including Trader Vic's Bartender's Guide and Trader Vic's Book of Food and Drink. I can close my eyes and completely picture the Beverly Hills Trader Vic's location--almost an institution in the city. Unfortunately, I heard it closed about a year or so ago.

Trader Vic's books vary in value and are not as widely available as many of the vintage books from the 50's. I've owned a few copies of his Bartender's Guide as well as a Pacific Islands cookbook and his Book of Food and Drink. This is the first copy I've found of the Kitchen Kibitzer. Given the number of cookbooks I come across or purchase, I would venture to say that since never crossing my path until two days ago--this cookbook is somewhat more difficult to find. I believe it is the last cookbook or one of the last cookbooks that he wrote.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibizter could be categorized as a humorous cookbook, the chapter titles alone attest to it incuding: Show-Off Cooking, For Nimrods and The Summer Bachelor among them.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook - Availability Rating - 7.0

I utilize my own cookbook collecting experience (used book stores, flea markets, estate sales, family collections, book sales, etc.) as well as measure availability on the popular online book sites and auction sites to determine this rating. In this case, there seems to be a limited number available online, and...I've not come across this book in the many years my wife and I have been collecting.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 6.0

Though not likely a well known book, Trader Vic cookbooks and restaurants as a general, are popular and known over the world, especially the cocktail-related and bartender books. I've ranked this a 6.0 for popularity based more on the general Trader Vic subject vs. this particular book. All his books are fairly popular.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 6.5

In terms of Investment Outlook, this cookbook should be a good bet. Trader Vic's cookbooks are all nice collectibles and this one--designed mostly for men (though the jacket states "and for the women who cook for men") is unique. I've rated it a 6.5, as I would several of the other Trader Vic's cookbooks. They remain popular, sought after, and will likely endure as the years pass.

Trader Vic's Kitchen Kibitzer Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 6.5
My Final Collectibility Factor Rating is the sum of the above ratings. This book comes out on par with some of the Betty Crocker and other vintage cookbooks.

Charosis Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:28:00 +0000

Mom's Adaptation of the Charosis Recipe from Love and Knishes, a Jewish Cookbook I recently reviewed.

Mix together:

4 cups shredded Granny Smith Apples (pare and core first)
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Manischewitz Grape or Blackberry Wine
1-2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Honey

Serve with Matzo

Love and Knishes Jewish Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:16:00 +0000

Love and Knishes Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Love and Knishes: An Irrepressible Guide to Jewish Cooking
Author: Sara Kasdan
Publisher: Vanguard Press, New York
Copyright: 1956
Format: Hardcover (I believe it should have a dust jacket, mine doesn't have one though I'm not sure the first edition came with one or not. There were many printings, including the latest paperback edition from 1996.)
Specialization Categories: Jewish Cookbooks, Vintage Cookbooks
Average Price: $15
Noted Recipes: Potato Knishes, Stuffed Veal Brisket, Matzo Balls, Fried Matzos, Hungarian Almond Torte, Appel Strudel, Charosis

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 6.0
Popularity: 2.0
Investment Outlook: 6.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 4.67

Jewish cookbooks are one of the most popular niche categories of cookbooks at Cookbook Village, my eBay cookbook store. I've decided to do my latest collectible cookbook review on a nice vintage cookbook called Love and Knishes. The book has some nice copy in the introduction chapter from the author advising those who want to know how to become a good Jewish cook to get invited to dinners from a Jewish friend and find out the way things should taste. Things rings true with me as I've tried to replicate some of my mother-in-laws wonderful Jewish dishes.

My mother-in-law makes some memorable Jewish food and I always look forward to the holidays at her house where I know some of the wonderful dishes she has waiting. She usually makes extra portions for me, I have somewhat of an appetite at those festivities. Being Dutch-Indonesian, I grew up on a lot of great cooking, but never got to experience Jewish cooking until I met my wife. I recently went to Passover dinner at Mom's place and wow...my first time eating Charosis. I ate a lot to say the list.

Here's how my mother-in-law makes the Love and Knishes Cookbook Charosis recipe. The original serves 10, my mother-in-law uses more of larger portions for 10.

Anyway, now for the collectibility review...

Love and Knishes Jewish Cookbook - Availability Rating - 6.0

There are many retail book sites that offer the 1996 edition of this book, though the 1956, First Edition is somewhat more difficult to come by. The book is often found with damage and wear, as are most Jewish cookbooks. These cookbooks are made for cooking...although they have become a popular cookbook collecting niche or specialization. I have only come across this cookbook once before, but do see a few 1956 copies available on a few of the online book sites. My copy will be going up for auction soon.

Love and Knishes Jewish Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 2.0
I've given the cookbook a low popularity rating mainly because it is an unknown. This doesn't make it any less interesting. It is a wonderful cookbook with all the classics and many variations on each including knishes, strudels, matzo dishes, herring dishes, and more.

Love and Knishes Jewish Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 6.0
As far as investment goes, this is a definitely a nice cookbook in terms of investment if you collect Jewish cookbooks. Vintage Jewish cookbooks are not very common as not many were published. What you do see a lot of are vintage Jewish community/fundraising cookbooks. This is not one of those books. It is written by a sole author who compiled recipes from Jewish friends and acquaintances. The book's value is hard to gauge. The newer 1996 copies can be found for around $5, while this 1956 original can go from about $15-$25. The upper end pricing would be applicable to a good condition book--as I mentioned--this is typically difficult to find in the vintage Jewish cookbooks as they are written for use!

Love and Knishes Jewish Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 4.67
While not an overly high final collectibility factor rating, this book is a true find for collectors. As noted above, Jewish cookbooks that were not published by fundraising organizations and synagogue groups were and still are, uncommon. I'd definately recommend putting a copy of this great little book into your collection. If you specialize in Jewish cookbooks then even better.

Towns, Trails & Special Times - The Marlboro Country Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook
Author: n/a
Copyright: My copy of the book has no copyright date. I have seen everything stated on online sale copies from 1997-2000.
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
Specialization Categories: American Cookbooks, Advertising/Promotional Cookbooks
Average Price: $10
Noted Recipes: Cyclone Chili, Headquarters Chili Pie, Whiskey Steak, Pecan Peach Pie
COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 5.0
Popularity: 3.5
Investment Outlook: 6.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 4.83

Marlboro had a points system whereby you could exchange cigarette pack points for promotional Marlboro gift items. At different points in time, they have offered a series of Marlboro cookbooks in their points program. These cookbooks are beautiful hardcover books with loads of colored photos and even some poster style inserts and recipe postcards. I've had several different Marlboro cookbooks for sale at my Cookbook Village eBay store in including this Towns, Trails & Special Times Cookbook which will be listing this week.

These make a perfect collectible item as the books are not available at retail outlets and were only available through the points program. They can still be found at garage sales, book sales and at online and used bookstores. At one time the books fetched in upwards of $50 but the prices have come down substantially to around $10, sometimes up to $15. These cookbooks are well worth the price--it's almost criminal that they sell for so little. They are nicer than most of the new cookbooks available at retail today. With the added inserts and wonderful photos they are a cookbook lover's dream. They include an abundance of Americana, including many delicious chili recipes, steak recipes, and barbecue fare.

Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook - Availability Rating - 5.0
Although there are usually many copies of this book available online, they are not available at retail and no longer available through points from what I've read.

Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 3.5
The recipes in these books may be more sought after than the books themselves. I see many postings for people searching for specific recipes from these books. The books themselves are likely not known in wide circles and were not publicized. Many also go unsold--to my surprise. I think it is because a photo online cannot do the book justice. When you open it up, you'll see why. This is a unique cookbook because of the inserts, postcards and overal format.

Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 6.0
Though these books have come down in value, I believe they are a good investment. The $10 average price for a Marlboro cookbook will likely increase at some point down the line as less copies become available and more collectors scoop them up. There are not only cookbook collectors to compete with--but Marlboro advertising collectors as well. For around $10 these are a steal.

Towns, Trails & Special Times: The Marlboro Country Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 4.83
If you collect cookbooks, I'd definately strive to add some of the Marlboro cookbooks to your collection. They are unique and will eventually become more scarce. The recipes and beautiful photos make this a great cookbook for a collection...or just for a nice reflection of Americana cooking.

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:01:00 +0000

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook
Author: Doris Muscatine
Copyright: 1963
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket (artwork has colored squares with illustrations)
Specialization Categories: Restaurant Cookbooks, US Regional Cookbooks, Vintage Cookbooks
Average Price: $5-$7 for the 1963, First Edition. There is a revised edition with white cover art so don't mix them up.

Noted Recipes: Tadich Grill Coney Island Clam Chowder, Omar Khayyam's Potato Salad, The Rathskeller Potato Pancakes (see my own family's recipe here)

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 4.0

Popularity: 2.0
Investment Outlook: 3.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 3.0

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook contains informative write-ups on San Francisco's best restaurants (at the time of writing) along with some of their recipes. I've had several of the individual restaurant books from some of the 69 restaurants contained in the cookbook. Many of the restaurants are still classics today including Tadich Grill, Garden Court of the Palace Hotel, Schroeder's Cafe (Oldest and Largest German Restaurant on the West Coast), and Fior d'Italia (America's Oldest Italian Restaurant).

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook - Availability Rating - 4.0
This book is widely available online but is vintage thus not quickly found offline. I've rated it a 4.0 for this reason. I see over 10 copies available on eBay alone with prices up to the $24 range. As noted, the book only is valued between $5-$7.

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 2.0
Though it may have been popular at one time, this book doesn't sell in much volume. I've had this book listed a few times myself and it normally sells, but with only one interested buyer. This is usually a pretty good gauge of popularity. "Watchers" as eBay sellers often refer to them, are those who bookmark a book they are following at auction or have interest in bidding on. With only a "watcher" or so for this book, the popularity pretty much speaks for itself. Given the higher volume of copies available for sale, I'd venture to say this book was more popular at the time of writing and has since gone somewhat out of fashion. Often times restaurant books loose their appeal if many of the restaurants are no longer around which is the case with a lot of vintage restaurant books.

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 3.0
I've rated this a 3.0 on my rating scale for Investment Outlook. From the above on popularity it should rightfully be lower, still...I think for the value of having some of the recipes from classic restaurants of the past, this book is still an interesting collectible cookbooks. It is certainly a great cookbook for its diversity and offers recipes from some of the most revered restaurants of the City.

A Cook's Tour of San Francisco Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 3.0
Overall, the Final Collectibility Factor Rating for A Cook's Tour of San Francisco cookbook is a 3.0. The score is fairly low when compared with some of the other vintage books covered in my previous posts. Still, I reviewed it as I find it a unique book with a lot of great background and history on the restaurants in the book. Since my cookbook specialization is collecting cookbooks from restaurants, this is still a personal favorite--especially from the historical standpoint.

Famous Recipes Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook Review - Collectibility

noreply@blogger.com (Ruben) — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:49:00 +0000

Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House
in Historic Savannah Cookbook Cover

Cookbook Title: Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook

Author: Sema Wilkes "Mrs. Wilkes"
Copyright: 1976
Format: Hardcover with wire spiral interior
(This book has also been published in a softcover spiral bound book.
Photo shown is the May 2000 hardcover with wire spiral interior updated printing)
Specialization Categories: Restaurant & Inn Cookbooks, US Local Cookbooks, Southern Cookbooks
Average Price: $10-$15 First Edition First Printing; $6 - $10 Other Printings (Signed copies do not tend to increase the value of this book though it may take it to the maximum of about $15)

Noted Recipes: Wilke's Boarding House Style Biscuits, Fried Chicken, Shrimp Creole, Tuna Corn Chowder, Pecan Whiskey Cake

COOKBOOK COLLECTIBILITY RATINGS RATINGS EXPLAINED

Availability: 7.0

Popularity: 5.0
Investment Outlook: 4.0
-------------------------------------
Final Collectibility Factor: 5.33

Mrs. Wilkes' Board House has had many accolades including being named one of the 50 most distinguished restaurants in the US by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Many have referred to Sema Wilkes as the "Julia Child of country cooking." I have sold this book many times over and each time I know my customer is getting value in this great cookbook. It includes all kinds of Southern classics including fried chicken, biscuits and Key Lime Pie.

This is by no means a commercial-style cookbook. There are no photos, there is no fancy paper. The book can be likened to a community fundraising cookbook in terms of design and format. The recipes though are right up my alley...simple and easy to follow. For the most part they require a minimal number of ingredients and are written in simple English, no fancy marketing behind them. This is a truly great Southern-inspired cookbook.

It appears from my research that Sema Wilkes signed many copies of her cookbook. I see a good majority of those currently available online are signed. My own copy too, includes her "Mrs. Wilkes" signature which looks at first glimpse somewhat like the handwriting of a child. Her restaurant and recipes have been reviewed many times over--I figured this would make a perfect collectibility review.

Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook - Availability Rating - 7.0
I hesitated on this one between a 7.0 and an 8.0. While the book is still widely available in a newer printing, the original first editions are not quite as prevalent. I see several formats and cover art styles--again--from the many printings of this book. The prices range quite vastly for this book. If you are going to pay top dollar ($15+), make sure to go for a signed or first edition. The book can be had for much less and available through all the major book sites and can also be found in a brick-and-mortar used bookstore as well, without too much persistence.

Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook - Popularity Rating - 5.0

This book rates 5.0--average on the popularity rating. It is not a household name, but is popular amongst those who cook or are cookbook lovers. It is a Southern classic so likely pretty known in the region.

Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook - Investment Outlook - 4.0
In terms of investment, I rated this a 4.0 as there won't likely be much of an increase in value because of its wide availability and numerous printings. A first edition or signed first may be more interesting if her boarding house restaurant ever closes.

Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House in Historic Savannah Cookbook - Final Collectibility Factor Rating - 5.33

In terms of cookbook, I'd personally rate this one a 7.0 or 8.0. Of course, this is a collectible cookbook review and thus it scores only a 5.33 on the final collectibility factor rating.