While a lot of the recipes will seem dated -this was written back when instant everything was hip and Julia Child was just becoming a household name- a surprising number are still useful. The authors poke a lot of smiling fun at their younger selves, with annotations ranging from lighthearted historical updates to wails of what were we thinking?! at everything from the prevalence of canned cream sauce (Did we own stock in some cream sauce company?) through original cooking instructions for a hamburger that would "produce something resembling a large piece of kibble." That lighthearted style is what makes this book such a pleasure to read today, whether or not you have the slightest intention of ever cooking anything from it. Take, for example, instructions from a couple of poultry recipes "when you have finally found your chicken and safely guided it home... wipe out the cavities of the unsuspecting beasts." I had a smile on my face from the dedication to the end, and you will too.

Whether you want to get a taste of life in the 60s, are looking for some retro but useful recipes, or just want a bit of lighthearted fun reading, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Saucepans and the Single Girl.