Antique Community Cookbook 1920 Kollege Kookey Kinks by the YWCA hot at the University of Washington, Seattle College Cookery

Kollege Kookery Kinks, compiled by the Young Women's Christian Association. Seattle: University of Washington, 1920.

Staple-bound in brown stock wraps, decorated cover with gilt accents, tall slim volume (8 ½ x 4 ¼ inches), 48 pages; covers rubbed and edge worn, penciled ownership inscription on title page and penciled quote - “calm as the night” - on final page, tiny spot of soiling to bottom corner of title page, else clean and sound.

This appears to be the third edition of this little community cookbook, with the first two being in 1914 and 1915. This book is interesting in that, though it was compiled by a YWCA group, there is no introduction, no message of cause, no associated hot fundraiser, all of which are typical of such cookbooks. Also absent are recipes geared to entertaining or attracting a husband (also typical at the time). Instead, most recipes are geared to the single, with small quantities, few ingredients, and minimal preparation and actual cooking.

The book opens with sweets and ends with cakes. Sandwiched between are recipes for the chafing dish, salads, sandwiches and (more sweets) dainty desserts. Titles are sometimes college themed, like salad recipes for senior, junior, sophomore and freshman. Each chapter opens with a little quote.

A very nice copy of this scarce little Jazz Age cookery book for college students.

Inquiries always welcome. Thanks for looking!