You know, in my study of 1940s cookbooks, I can't recall ever coming across a recipe requesting an actual "pumpkin pie spice" mix, so I didn't think they existed until later. It's so interesting that the spice mix did indeed exist, but I wonder what the disconnect was between the product and cookbooks calling for it. Was it just a consumer-driven thing or were cookbook writers not interested in listing a premade spice mix like that? This was super informative and fun. Thanks for a great post!
I'm not sure exactly the disconnect. The first thing that comes to mind however is that, as I'm sure you know, cookbooks are very prescriptive (back then and now) and they also assumed the reader had SO MUCH knowledge already and maybe the spice blend option was another thing they took for granted. There's so many things we think about in cookbook writing/editing today that I'm sure would shock past authors/editors!
You know, in my study of 1940s cookbooks, I can't recall ever coming across a recipe requesting an actual "pumpkin pie spice" mix, so I didn't think they existed until later. It's so interesting that the spice mix did indeed exist, but I wonder what the disconnect was between the product and cookbooks calling for it. Was it just a consumer-driven thing or were cookbook writers not interested in listing a premade spice mix like that? This was super informative and fun. Thanks for a great post!
I'm not sure exactly the disconnect. The first thing that comes to mind however is that, as I'm sure you know, cookbooks are very prescriptive (back then and now) and they also assumed the reader had SO MUCH knowledge already and maybe the spice blend option was another thing they took for granted. There's so many things we think about in cookbook writing/editing today that I'm sure would shock past authors/editors!
Yes, very good point! I thought about that later - about them assuming the reader had some knowledge of things already. Interesting!
KC! This is such a great read. Your writing is so thoughtful. I, myself, have been too hard on pumpkin spice. Time for me to make some muffins!
Thank you! I bet your muffins are gonna be fantastic! I wonder if fig leaf pairs well with subtle sweet pumpkin?!