Central New York Community Cookbook – Historic Recipes from the Syracuse Area

Welcome to the Central New York Community Cookbook — a collection of historic recipes gathered by a small-town Ladies Auxiliary in 1975. This archive includes classic appetizers, hearty main courses, desserts, and beloved local favorites from the Syracuse NY and Central New York region. Explore traditional recipes that have been shared across generations.

Recipe Categories

  • Appetizers

    Classic party starters including cheeseballs, seafood bites, and make-ahead favorites.

  • Beverages

    Holiday drinks, punches, and classic refreshments for entertaining.

  • Bread & Muffins

    Homemade breads, muffins, and breakfast favorites.

  • Cakes

    Traditional layer cakes, sheet cakes, and celebration desserts.

  • Candy

    Old-fashioned candy recipes and sweet treats.

  • Casseroles

    Comforting baked dishes perfect for family meals.

  • Cookies

    Classic cookie recipes for holidays and everyday baking.

  • Desserts

    Puddings, crisps, and timeless sweet recipes.

  • Donuts & Coffee Cakes

    Breakfast pastries and traditional baked treats.

  • Meats

    Main-dish recipes featuring beef, pork, poultry, and more.

  • Pies & Pastries

    Classic pies, pastry desserts, and baked favorites.

  • Salads

    Fresh and classic salad recipes for every season.

  • Veggie Recipes

    Vegetable-focused dishes and meatless favorites.

   This site is a collection of homey recipes contributed by everyday cooks, evoking the spirit of potlucks and family gatherings. But it doesn’t stop there; it includes a couple of high-profile gems, such as First Lady Betty Ford’s Strawberry Blitz Torte from around 1975 and a contribution from Happy Rockefeller, wife of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. These additions lend a touch of historical flair, blending grassroots Americana with a dash of White House elegance.

   The recipes are neatly organized into categories, making it easy to browse. Appetizers kick things off with crowd-pleasers like Cheddar Cheese and Olive Balls or Stuffed Mushrooms. Beverages range from cozy Mulled Cider to festive Holiday Eggnog. Bread enthusiasts will find classics such as Banana Nut Bread and Irish Soda Bread, while the extensive cake section boasts everything from Apple Pound Cake to a intriguing Tomato Soup Cake. Casseroles cover hearty options like Tuna Casserole and Tator Tot Hot Dish, and cookies include timeless favorites like Oatmeal Cookies and Peanut Butter Cookies. Desserts tempt with Apple Crisp and Rice Pudding, and pies span Apple Pie to Pecan Pie. There’s even a nod to salads, relishes, and side dishes like Baked Eggplant Parmesan.

Related Resources

Mrs Ford's Recipe
Mrs Rockefeller Recipe