In 1960, Peg Bracken wrote the “I Hate to Cook Book.” Although I don’t hate to cook, and was so shocked the first time I met a woman who said she didn’t like to cook, I liked her book because it had some great, useful tips.
I grew up on apple ranches in Central Washington. Good, homecooked meals were a big part of the farm life. My mom was a fabulous cook, making bread, biscuits, pies, and more from scratch. Her apple pies were
amazing.
Bracken offered simple, family-style recipes.
She also wrote the “I Hate to Housekeep Book” in 1963. There, Bracken struck a huge chord with me. I really hate to housekeep.
I’m writing about this because today is my birthday. I used one of Bracken tips to celebrate.
Friday, I had my First Friday Lunch group here to celebrate the May birthdays in our group.
Sunday, I’m having two friends over for cake and cava.
That’s a Bracken suggestion. Have events close together so you only need to clean up your house once. She also suggested wiping off your telephone because that would be something people would notice when they had to use your phone.
So, I’d better get going on Party No. 2.
Happy birthday, Rita! I also don’t like to cook so was happy to see a woman who didn’t shrink from proclaiming the same. I’ll have to check out the book. It’s an oldie but a goldie.
I think Bracken housekeeping book has stood the test of time better than her cookbook. One review said her recipes used a lot of canned soups, which today wouldn’t be seen as tasty recipes.