Vintage Pennsylvania Railroad Dining Car Cooking Instructions # & Name of Owner

Description

This a Cooking Instructions Booklet from the Pennsylvania Railroad Dining Car Department "for the preparation of dishes served in dining cars throughout the system."  It's number 1906  and on the bottom of the cover, has the hand written name of the railroad employee to whom it was issued. Stamped under the name is "Take good care of this book. Second copy will be charged for".  The  6 by 9 inch booklet has 109 pages and a handwritten recipe for ice box rolls. The back of the first page is a note about the book and thanks to employees who provided recipes and suggestions for its creation. It's signed R.G. Robinson, Supt. Dining Car Service.  It is not dated. I've seen a loose leaf version from 1947 and a 1932 version similar to this. I suspect that this one is earlier. In addition to recipes, the booklet gives service and presentation instructions - how much each portion should weigh, which crockery to use and whether to underline it.  The variety of fresh meats fruits and vegetables used is  amazing. Some recipes use short cuts like canned items, but sauces, soups and breads are made from scratch. The recipe instructions are basic and most are for large amounts, but there are still things for the experienced cook to learn here. The cover is worn and browned with stains. The pages are lightly toned with dog-eared corners.