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Betty Crocker's
New Cookbook

Macmillan,$25

ISBN 0028603958

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A better Betty Crocker at 75

Review by Sybil Pratt

As American as Mom and apple pie and one of our icons of home cooking, Betty Crocker is observing her 75th birthday. To celebrate, she's having her seventh makeover and eighth revision. Now that reassuring, smiling face will be a composite of 75 real women of all ages and all races, a representation of the ethnic diversity of the U.S. today. More than skin deep, this makeover extends to Betty's books -- Betty Crocker's New Cookbook is a totally new edition of the cookbook that has sold a whopping 45 million copies since its first publication in 1950.

Still a down-to-earth basic cookbook, it now includes time-saving tips, nutritional info and fat-fighting strategies. Ingredients are clearly listed and each recipe step is numbered. Basics (selecting, storing, pan prep, timetables, ingredient glossaries, and more) preface each section -- so whether it's Cashew Caramel Clusters, Coquilles Saint Jacques, or meat-stuffed Cabbage Rolls, you'll have the cooking know-how you'll need. And Betty's new look is reflected in the range of recipes offered here. There are the standbys you count on -- Meat Loaf, Chicken a la King, Senate Bean Soup, and chocolate-glazed Boston Cream Pie. Then there are the welcome newcomers -- savory Indian Split Peas with Vegetables, seasoned with cumin and chilies, aromatic Curry Pork Sausage with Couscous, Thai Beef Stir-Fry and Tiramisu, the Italian dessert that's fast becoming an American favorite. In all, there are over 900 recipes, 200 photos and 90 line drawings and it's ringbound for easy access and cooking convenience.

Sybil Pratt is an avid cook who lives and cooks in New York City.

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