Checking Your Antique And Vintage Pots And Pans For Size

Retro Housewives Measuring Pots And Pans For Size

Housewives in the 1950s apparently had plenty of time to think about "how big their pots were" and other cooking ware essential facts. In a booklet called "The New Cook's Cook Book", attention was paid to good cooking rules.

1. Be sure your recipe is reliable. (LOL)

2. Read recipes carefully. (LOL)

3. Check the list of ingredients. (LOL)

4. Note the cooking time.(LOL)

5. Check the pot and pans for size.

Excerpt from "The New Cook's Cook Book"

Check your pots and pans for size. A cake baked in too big a pan is a sad affair, indeed. A cake baked in too small a pan is like a hall when the ball is over-amess in your oven. And what a stew you're in if the pot you're cooking in isn't big enough! Baking pans in the oven need elbow room, so you'll even want to check for size to see that they fit when you're planning an ovcn meal.

Pointers on Measuring Pots And Pan Sizes

Inside measurements of a pan are the ones that count. If in doubt about a cake or pie pan, take a tape measure or ruler and see what it meas

ures from the inside rim to the opposite side.

When in doubt what a casserole or saucepan holds, measure with water first to see what it holds.

When no measurements marked: If your pot does not have measurements shown, mark measurements on the bottom of the outside of the pot with your brightest nail polish.

Source: The New Cook's Cook Book, 1953, Edison Electric Institute

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists