Aunt Sammy came to life with the first radio broadcast of "Housekeeper's Chat" on October 4, 1926. The character of Aunt Sammy-wife of Uncle Sam-was created by the USDA Bureau of Home Economics and the Radio Service. Many women across the country played the part as they spoke into the microphones of local radio stations. The highlights of Aunt Sammy's show were the menus and recipes, but Aunt Sammy also talked about clothing, furniture, appliances, and other family and household matters. Aunt Sammy wasn't just a homebody, however. She commented on world affairs, reported the latest fads, and told jokes. The talk moved easily from one subject to another, always natural and entertaining as well as informative. This 50th anniversary recipe collection includes recipes from current publications and a selection of recipes from the first edition of "Aunt Sammy's Radio Recipes." All of these recipes have been retested in the laboratory and found acceptable by taste panels.

"This book brings together three different texts. First and foremost, it contains all of the material from the 1927 cookbook Aunt Sammy's Radio Recipes, produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But it also includes excerpts from the 1920s radio broadcasts that inspired the character of 'Aunt Sammy' and menus and recipes promoted by the USDA. Finally, my introduction and editorial comments throughout the book contain historical context to provide a scholarly perspective on USDA's cooking advice and radio listenership of Aunt Sammy's audiences"--Preface.