Joy of Cooking

Photo of Christina Jensen holding a cookbook.

 

Just in time for Thanksgiving, a new cookbook exhibit at SMU’s DeGolyer Library takes a look at history through a culinary lens. From a 276-page handwritten volume of recipes dating to 1816, to the first cookbook published in Texas, to a selection of cultural cookbooks, there is a recipe for every taste.

Collection of books on display at the DeGolyer Library

The Joy of Cooking – Two Centuries of Cookbooks at the DeGolyer Library, featuring 206 books from DeGolyer’s 6,000 cookbook collection, has sugar plums dancing in our heads and brings thoughts of food, family and festivities during this holiday season. Christina Jensen, curator of the exhibit that runs through December 22, 2022, says, “Cookbooks are much more than compilations of recipes. They offer a timeline of economic, family and social history.”

SMU invites you to enjoy the exhibit and these featured recipes from collection.

Orange Cake

From What’s Cookin’ in Texas (1947)

View recipe
Chocolate Peppermint Cake

From Palm Trees and Petits Fours (1969)

View recipe

Seasoned with gratitude

This time of year, it is easy to think of all the reasons to be thankful. As we head into the holiday season, we asked SMU students what they are most grateful for.