We were on our way home and I wanted to stop at the goodwill store, we almost didn't buy anything but before we left we stopped into their book room, and as i was purusing their books, I saw a CIA (Culinary Institute of America Encyclopedia), I grabbed and even though its from 1950, and it was priced 5.00 I HAD to buy it. I felt it was there for me, yes there are a lot of recipes in there that are dated, and 50ish style, but there is so much in there that are timeless classic recipes.' The book is in overall good condition, pages are yellong, no missing pages, some staining and discoloration on the edges but overall good condition.
I know I am going to try the potato soup recipe, and some other recipes.
But I have been searching on ebay and Google for images of this book, it once upon a time had a dust jacket and a piece of that dust jacket has been used as a bookmark, but for being from the 1950s, its in good condition.
I started to just wonder what it was worth on a collectors market, and I have to say the law end was from 25.00 for a book that was printed after this one, with a different cover, but CIA cookbook from 1948 to 1950 are ranging from 25.00 on up to 125.00, and I'm really torn if I want to sell it or keep it.
Ever since starting to watch Cooking shows and shows like Dinner Impossible I have developed a love for cooking and experimenting on and with foods, most of the times its successful a few times I've flopped, but if you found something that you could probably make a few bucks on, but yet you really want to keep it for yourself.
And would you feel self conscious if you served your family or guests food and recipes from this cookbook?
What would you do?
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Comments: 10
My recommendation? If you are torn between selling it on Ebay and keeping it as a curiosity and historical artifact...scan the entire book to disc and sell the hard copy. With the economy today, I don't think many folks are going to be buying these kind of books--they are luxury items--and if there is a certain recipe you want to try, you can always print it off.
Besides, the last church potluck supper I went to...one of the older ladies made a pineapple upside-down cake, which was a 'traditional' (popular) dessert from the 50's. It was the first one gone, too.
I don't really understand why someone would be self-conscious about serving something from one of these books. Announcing that you've prepared an heirloom recipe from gastronomic history should create a lot of interest...and you will probably reap quite a few compliments. After all, there's nothing quite like home-cooking....
Most likely I will keep it and it will become something I use and love.
Mooch
i would keep that cookbook for yourself. i have a collection of cookbooks that i am sitting on. my favorite one that i have is a signed copy of There's A Chef In My Family by Emeril LaGassee off of food network. but i do dig out my cookbooks that i have thou and i do look through all of them, getting new recipe ideas from them. and you are so lucky at finding things at the Goodwill Store like that.
take care and have a beautiful day today!