This is my Betty…Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book. Copyright 1950, it was my grandmother’s. By the time I came around she preferred going to Amish Country for dinner as opposed to using the book. However, I remember hiding under the desk that held it and had a built-in book rack under it when we played hide and seek. It is fond memories of games and of her.

I pulled it out today to make a regular around here: pancakes. I have it memorized, but I still like to pull the actual book out. I love the photos and how simple the recipes were. For example, there is a base recipe for muffins and then it gives you a couple of other ingredients to make different flavors. So simple.

Here we have today’s batch of Monkey Pancakes. It’s the basic recipe with some walnuts, bananas, and chocolate chips added to the batter. I like to double the recipe and freeze the extra for a nice warm breakfast on those busy mornings.

True story: In high school I went through a phase where I made chocolate chip pancakes nearly every day. That era was much more successful than my try at pole vaulting.