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Book Review of Something from the Oven : Reinventing Dinner in 1950s America

Something from the Oven : Reinventing Dinner in 1950s America
esjro avatar reviewed on + 949 more book reviews


This is an interesting history of food and domestic cooking in the '50s and 60s, that was surprisingly readable. The author has a dry sense of humor, and is at her best when describing some of the convenience foods people threw together and called a recipe. (Many of these dishes featured Jello and ketchup).

Occasionally some sections dragged on a bit too long (e.g. Betty Friedan), but for the most part this book is a lot of fun. Anyone who grew up on entrees involving a can of condensed soup will enjoy it.