When we think of October we usually think of Halloween. October is also that time of of year where the days grow shorter, the weather turns colder, and we are all in need of some good comfort food. Often we think back to our favorite dishes we ate as children, which is perfect since October is also National Cookbook Month. Sometimes some of our favorite dishes may be difficult to find in individual cookbooks, so if you are searching for those old favorites take some time to explore The Women's Magazine Archive database. 

This database, which is accessible from home with a valid New York Public Library card and PIN number, provides digitized versions of women's magazines from the 19th and 20th century. The collection includes, Better Homes & Gardens (1922 to 2005); Chatelaine (1928 to 2005); Good Housekeeping (1885 to 2005); Ladies' Home Journal (1883 to 2005); Parents (1926 to 2005); Redbook (1903 to 2005); Cosmopolitan (1886 to 2005); Essence (1970 to 2005); Seventeen (1944 to 2005); Town and Country (1846 to 2005); and Woman's Day (1937 to 2005).  This database is filled with classic recipes, as well as those that did not stand the test of time. It is also easily searchable with beautifully digitized images. Take a look at some of the more interesting recipes we found by searching through the archives of these women's magazines.

What better way to impress your guests than by serving a ham that includes a beautiful nature scene. The base of this ham chaud-froid is chilled and covered with gelatin and cream cheese.

Do you think you already know all of the best ways to cook asparagus? Well, in 1928 the Canners League of California provided some exciting asparagus recipes to promote their product, such as Asparagus Tip Cocktail, Asparagus Tips in Tomato Aspic, and Asparagus Piquante.

We can admit that hot dogs can be a bit boring at times. But in 1966 Ladies' Home Journal decided to provide a solution to this problem with The Hot Dog Cookbook! In it you will find delicious recipes such as, hot dog kebabs, hot dog chowder, and little hot dog shortcake.

In an article entitled, "Help! Emergency! Dishes to Bail You Out When You Haven't Had Time to Shop Or Prepare Ahead,"  the authors used that one item that everyone should have in their pantry, cream of mushroom soup. If you find yourself with unexpected guests, you can whip up a batch of pancakes with American cheese slices and cream of mushroom soup!

Last but certainly not least, is the ever versatile recipe of the aspic. In case it has been a while since you have eaten an aspic, this dish is simply your favorite savory food—be it cod or eggs—set in gelatin (usually cast in a decorative mold). If you are searching for a good aspic recipe The Women's Magazine Archive will keep you occupied for hours. One perfect example is the article from a 1966 issue of Ladies' Home Journal, "Apics Without Ado." In this article you will find delicious recipes for roast beef aspic, cream cheese and pistachios aspic, and an egg aspic.

The Women's Magazine Archive is just one of hundreds of online resources that you can access with your New York Public Library card. Just take a look at this guide and learn more about all of the e-resources we have to offer. Happy cooking!

Resources

"Advertisement: CANNERS LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA--ASPARAGUS SECTION." Good Housekeeping 03 1928: 272. ProQuest. Women's Magazine Archive database. 10 Aug. 2018 .

Cannon, Poppy. "ASPICS WITHOUT ADO." Ladies' Home Journal 05 1966: 114,115, 131-133. ProQuest. Women's Magazine Archive database. 15 Oct. 2018 .

Happel, Margaret. "Sheer Splendor: The Appetizers." Ladies' Home Journal 10 1972: 130,131, 
146-148. ProQuest. Women's Magazine Archive database. 10 Aug. 2018 .

"HELP! EMERGENCY!" Woman's Day 04 1974: 44,44, 160, 184. ProQuest. Women's Magazine Archive database. 15 Oct. 2018 .

"THE HOT DOG COOKBOOK." Ladies' Home Journal 06 1966: 100,102, 116, 118-119. ProQuest. Women's Magazine Archive database. 15 Oct. 2018 .