Darn - Got this email one day too late. I'm headed to Baskin Robbins in 10 minutes to pick up an ice cream birthday cake for my husband. I never even thought about making one myself! Next year....
What a great story, it reminded me of how a young me baked with my mom in an avocado second hand oven for many years. We baked cookies, cakes, pies and made huckleberries and dumplings on the stovetop. Avocado was her favorite color.
I am also cooking easy now as my chronic pain forces me to spend less time in the kitchen, I look forward to your easy recipes.
Another great window into your mom’s world and yours. I’m trying to remember what type of stove my mother had, but I’m quite sure it was a sturdy workhorse that wouldn’t have broken down either. I know it was gas, definitely not self-cleaning and in constant use. They really did make things to last in those days—TV’s, radios, washers, clothes…people, not so much.
That ice cream cake with three ingredients sounds like a winner, as does “Cook It Easy.” I’m getting a little tired of my kitchen, even if it does have a powerhouse stove!
I am so jealous of your stove!! I would kill for a gas stove, even without all your burners. There will be more on mom’s old hotpoint in future ‘letters; stay tuned.
Actually a fair number of people I know are trading in their gas stoves for induction models for health and environmental reasons, and they’re quite fond of them, though there’s a learning curve. I guess they’ll probably bury me with mine—or in it (macabre thought!). Anyway, looking forward to further tales about your mom’s Hotpoint!
Happy 3rd digital year (what is that in human years?), and a book about three generations of female food writers sounds amazing. Best wishes in 2026 for inspiring writing and clean eating, too. Can't wait to read more about both.
I love your mom's relationship with her Hotpoint. (Do you have photos of it?) Kids riding trikes, wearing helmets (safety first) bouncing off the Hotpoint conjured the best image. I quickly searched for images of a 1954 Hotpoint and found a few, and used them as references while reading about "the panel below the oven".
This made me smile, "the family finance committee strongly recommended a policy of thrift". Love the turn of a great phrase. "Wood grain" vs "wood" made me chuckle, and reminded me of TV ads in the 70s promoting couches with "genuine simulated cow hide" .
Great post, Amie. P.S. I usually read them more than once just to make sure I caught everything. :-)
Darn - Got this email one day too late. I'm headed to Baskin Robbins in 10 minutes to pick up an ice cream birthday cake for my husband. I never even thought about making one myself! Next year....
It’s SO good!
So enjoyable. I had forgotten that people used to own avocado- and almond-stove. Very fun and Happy Birthday.
Love this one! Here’s to cook easy in 2026!
Ice cream cake is my fav!
What a great story, it reminded me of how a young me baked with my mom in an avocado second hand oven for many years. We baked cookies, cakes, pies and made huckleberries and dumplings on the stovetop. Avocado was her favorite color.
I am also cooking easy now as my chronic pain forces me to spend less time in the kitchen, I look forward to your easy recipes.
Keep sharing your memories and I’ll keep sharing the (easy) recipes!
I am looking forward to the protein carrot cake! I love carrot cake! I bet your Mom had a great recipe!
Ha! It’s all mine—her stuff is the less healthy but yummy version.
Another great window into your mom’s world and yours. I’m trying to remember what type of stove my mother had, but I’m quite sure it was a sturdy workhorse that wouldn’t have broken down either. I know it was gas, definitely not self-cleaning and in constant use. They really did make things to last in those days—TV’s, radios, washers, clothes…people, not so much.
That ice cream cake with three ingredients sounds like a winner, as does “Cook It Easy.” I’m getting a little tired of my kitchen, even if it does have a powerhouse stove!
I am so jealous of your stove!! I would kill for a gas stove, even without all your burners. There will be more on mom’s old hotpoint in future ‘letters; stay tuned.
Actually a fair number of people I know are trading in their gas stoves for induction models for health and environmental reasons, and they’re quite fond of them, though there’s a learning curve. I guess they’ll probably bury me with mine—or in it (macabre thought!). Anyway, looking forward to further tales about your mom’s Hotpoint!
Cook it Easy sounds like a great plan. I had every intention of baking bread this holiday season but it didn’t happen. Easy is good!
Taking it easy in all aspects of life
I wish I was still planning birthday parties for eight and nine-year-olds - cake would’ve been perfect
Long live carrot cake! 😁 I hope we can meet in person someday. Happy New Year!
Would be fun to see you! I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Your ice cream cake sounds fabulous, but I'm particularly excited for the carrot cake recipe! :)
love a good frozen dessert ~ although i too am trying to significantly cut back on my sugar intake 🤬
It’s not forever, is what I tell myself every time I eat yet another grapefruit…
I’ve been cooking easy for a few years now. 🤣😊
I’m learning from you more every day!
I think you are far ahead of me. You have so much energy and drive. I wish I had some. Much love to you.
The stove story made me smile. I have an Oster blender from the 60s that is chrome and glass and weighs a ton!
Happy 3rd digital year (what is that in human years?), and a book about three generations of female food writers sounds amazing. Best wishes in 2026 for inspiring writing and clean eating, too. Can't wait to read more about both.
I love your mom's relationship with her Hotpoint. (Do you have photos of it?) Kids riding trikes, wearing helmets (safety first) bouncing off the Hotpoint conjured the best image. I quickly searched for images of a 1954 Hotpoint and found a few, and used them as references while reading about "the panel below the oven".
This made me smile, "the family finance committee strongly recommended a policy of thrift". Love the turn of a great phrase. "Wood grain" vs "wood" made me chuckle, and reminded me of TV ads in the 70s promoting couches with "genuine simulated cow hide" .
Great post, Amie. P.S. I usually read them more than once just to make sure I caught everything. :-)