From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

In 1966, the Pillsbury Bake-0ff changed its name and its focus to The Busy Lady Bake-Off. Until that time, it had been a showcase for wonderful, complicated, scratch recipes. One of the spectacular cakes that was a winner in the 1950s had made-from-scratch divinity for a filling, and a cooked fudge frosting that is extremely difficult to prepare. One of the rules stipulated that the recipe had to be completely prepared in one day!

That contest, and others, were launched in response to more women entering the workplace, and the explosion in ready-made foods and mixes offered in the supermarket that were developed during World War II. Manufacturers needed to find uses for food that was used in the Army - so women were enticed into trying mixes with the promise of time saving and reliability. The new two income family meant more disposable income and less time for cooking and other household chores - so spending more money for convenience simply made sense.

At Busy Cooks, quick and easy recipes, timesaving techniques, the fastest recipes, pantry and freezer organization, internet information and videos, and guides to products and cookbooks all come together to make sure you prepare delicious, healthy meals fast. Join me every day and you'll have a great time in the process; not only will you find quick and easy recipes, but Everyday Menus is a regular part of my blog. Now for some fun, take a peek at some old fashioned recipes next to their updated counterparts. And give some thanks to convenience products!

Go to the next page to find recipes for old-fashioned treats and their updated counterparts.