The 1950s: Postwar Boom in the Kitchen
The Fancier, the Better
The economic boom of the postwar years led to a belief that America had abundance
in all things. The good life was evident in rich, filling meals and glamorous desserts.
Since women rarely worked outside the home, housewives spent hours in the kitchen.
Mom with Her Rolling Pin
Television, a new invention, emphasized the role of American mothers. In programs
like "Father Knows Best," Mom most often appeared in an apron, with a rolling pin.
Measure Out the Flour, and Add What You Like
The single required ingredient in recipes of the earliest contests was Pillsbury's
BEST® Flour. Scratch cakes represented the largest category of Bake-Off® Contest
entries in the 1950s, followed by yeast and quick breads, pies and cookies. Few
main dishes were seen in the finals.