Hello, long time lurker first time poster. I like to collect older books, and when sorting I came across my copy of the Blue Book edition 27, copyright 1963 (35 cents!). First, I thought the sub may find it neat. Second, I had a chuckle that they offer a dated but cute view of "How to Preserve a Husband". Lastly, I wonder if any of these once trusted recipes may still be safe as canning practices have probably made leaps and bounds in terms of scientific research. My grandmother canned, her pantry was full to the brim with things from the garden and we never questioned safety as we didn't think about it. While I'd love to think I may use some of these recipes as I (hopefully) begin to can over the next couple of years, I'd like to hear from the experts if I should compare them to a newer version first. That seems like common sense, I know. Safety is paramount to me to keep my family and friends safe, but I yearn for nostalgia simultaneously. What are the chances these recipes stood the test of time (and science)?
by MilkyTwilightNeeds
7 Comments
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https://preview.redd.it/1ez9tzc9ah2g1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=651433fab91e6ff343f54626a709ec68f8a5f46e
For some reason I couldn’t get my second picture in the post 🙂
Definitely compare to the newer version. Ball is already up to the 38th edition of this book and many recipes have been altered or retracted due to updated safety guidelines and newer research.
This book is a wonderful piece of history especially to your family but for safety’s sake you should follow up to date guidelines regardless of past successes. Each time you do not follow safety guidelines you run a risk of something going wrong and getting sick.
As unbelievable as this is I have one even older. My grandmother gave it to my mother who gave it to me. Not the best recipes for safety but it’s very sentimental.
That’s sweet! Since it’s unsafe to use you should give it to me right away. Lol
My local antique store has a little collection of old ball books! I have one from the 30’s 🙂
Oooh, I have edition 29 from 1974 from my great grandmother. Great piece of family history but that’s about it! I do use it to see what they made, then finds the newer counterpart from Ball. Enjoy! ♥️🫙