Mother Lode of Cookbooks #4 ~ Helen Brown's West Coast Cook Book and Out of Kentucky

Helen Brown's West Coast Cook Book, published in 1952. All  of the dishes reflect the cuisine of California, Oregon and Washington. The recipes are divided into three sections: the first being the early settlers, the Spanish and Mexicans in California and the Yankee influences found in Oregon and Washington. The second section focuses on local ingredients with the third section highlighting the distinctive West Coast flavor.

Sources for the recipes include early cookbooks, old family favorites and famous eateries.  The dishes include appetizers, aspic(!), breads, entrées, soups & salads, desserts and vegetables. There are detailed chapters on fruit, herbs and spices with instructions on types and how to use each as an ingredient  in cooking. Among the unusual seafood choices are abalone (which is very tasty!) and geoduck. A famous Seattle concoction featured is Dutch babies - a combination of a popover and a pancake.

Out of Kentucky Kitchens, published in 1969. The cookbook was written by one of Louisville's best cooks and most gracious hostess, with an introduction penned by Duncan Hines. The recipes are from the author's collection and a few were solicited from friends.  There is a short snippet on "gourmet powder"  or MSG which is featured in many a recipe. Also included is a chapter on suggested menus for a Derby Day breakfast, of course mint juleps make their expected appearance!

The usual fare is featured along with a  pre-Civil War receipt for black beans, a Robert E. Lee Cake (a layered sponge cake with lemon jelly) and roasted bear(!!).