The Best-Selling '70s Cookbook Every Crock-Pot Owner Had (It Still Holds Up)

In 1971, the first commercial Crock-Pot debuted at Chicago's National Housewares Show. The new invention was quickly embraced, with $2 million in sales in the first year and $93 million within four years. But even as the product nestled its way into American kitchens everywhere, many housewives didn't know how to approach their high-tech gadget. 

Despite the plethora of cookbooks available to home cooks, none specifically addressed how to create memorable meals in a Crock-Pot. To fill this gap, publishing company HP Books asked Mable Hoffman to create the world's first slow-cooker recipe book, which would be titled "Crockery Cookery." Hoffman was a successful food stylist and recipe creator, working with brands like Sunkist Growers and Better Homes and Gardens, so she was a natural choice for the role. 

Hoffman devoted months to trying countless recipes in the 20 different Crock-Pots she spread across her kitchen, and soon she had an impressive collection of well-researched recipes for everything from rice pudding to beef burgundy. Her book became an overnight sensation, with Crock-Pot owners viewing "Crockery Cookery" as a much-needed accessory for successful Crock-Pot meals. Decades later, even with so many other cookbooks and websites available to home chefs, Hoffman's 1975 offering still has a cult following.

Crockery Cookery continues to sell copies (and earn rave reviews) on Amazon. Many commenters mention that they have been looking for this book, whether because they misplaced their original copy or because they have been reminiscing about Grandma and want to recreate some of her classic dishes. 

As expected, you can find a wealth of different slow cooker recipes in the book. There are kitschy meat-and-potatoes options, like meatloaf, turnip whip, Sloppy Jane sandwiches, ham loaf, and alphabet pot roast (pot roast seasoned with red wine and alphabet vegetable soup). But many of Hoffman's recipes still feel as elegant as they did when they were published. From soy-glazed short ribs to herbed leg of lamb, there are dishes to satisfy those seeking upscale flavors as well as those wanting vintage vibes. 

Autumn is the perfect time to get out a copy. Your home will smell like a sensational fall oasis as your Crock-Pot churns out caramel apples, apple-cranberry compote, pumpkin nut bread, molasses bread, and apple brown Betty. And Hoffman's suggestions for slow cooker soups will hit the spot on chilly days, including her lentil soup, clam chowder, and turkey noodle soup.