Snowdrift Secrets

Because this little cookbook was published by The Southern Cotton Oil Company, it seems like a good guess that Snowdrift shortening was manufactured from cotton oil. Printed long before 'cholesterol' was a household word, or something that anyone worried about, this recipe book provides all kinds of mouthwatering recipes for flaky pie crust and fried catfish. Other recipes, like cream of asparagus soup, somehow sound less appetizing with the addition of gobs of shortening. The publishers also advertise that "Snowdrift is endorsed by physicians," and admonish cooks to "Remember to use SALT with SNOWDRIFT." Snowdrift was only sold "in pails" (lest one be tempted to only use a bit). Times change and the section titled "Snowdrift Secrets" might now, sadly, be subtitled "Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure."