Long before Martha Stewart became a household name, there was Betty Crocker. Born in 1921 as part of a promotional campaign by the Washburn-Crosby flour company, Betty Crocker wasn’t a real person, but she quickly became one of the most trusted resources in American kitchens. Her warm, reassuring presence graced a radio show—voiced by Marjorie Child Husted, the show’s first host and writer—that ran for 24 years, guiding listeners through recipes and cooking techniques with confidence and ease. The Betty Crocker line of cake mixes helped homemakers embrace convenience, changing the way America baked.
In 1950, Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book debuted to phenomenal success, its sales rivaling even those of the Bible. Today, the Betty Crocker Cookbook remains a staple in kitchens across the country, now in its 13th edition and with more than 75 million copies sold.
Cultural historian Leslie Goddard explores the remarkable story of Betty Crocker: how she was created, why her cookbook has endured, and how her brand’s lasting influence was built on emotional connection and consumer engagement.
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