Do you remember Home and Freezer Digest? There were far fewer cookery magazines around in the 1980s and this pocket-sized magazine was one of my favourites.
Home & Freezer Digest
I started buying Home and Freezer Digest around 1982. I admit I am a recipe hoarder and had kept dozens of these magazines. Eventually, I gave them to a charity shop and have regretted it ever since.
The Snowman
The Snowman Movie was released in 1982, so it’s surprising to see that it took until 1988 for this cake to be featured on the front cover. This is one of the few copies I have left and was probably kept because of the Snowman cake. I never quite got round to making it though.
Green Popcorn Ring
There are some great recipes but I’m not sure that a Green Popcorn ring is one of them. It’s not one I ever made that’s for sure.
Coffee Filter Machines
Home and Freezer Digest also reviewed kitchen equipment. In this magazine, there is a feature on coffee filter machines. I received a coffee filter machine as a wedding present and it lasted 27 years before we replaced it.
Coffee Filter Machines were still not that common in 1988 most people would drink instant coffee. One of the best things the US exported to us has to be the coffee house habit, good coffee is now available everywhere.
More about Home and Freezer Digest
Freezer Mincemeat from Home & Freezer Digest
Black Forest Gateau – Christmas from the Freezer
Margaret says
I used to love, love, love those magazines and used them time and time again!
I think it was only the other year that I eventually threw them away and sometimes have regret at my actions. So pleased to see someone else used them too.
diane6 says
I have about 70 copies of Home and Freezer Digest books from the 70's,80's and 90's. If anybody would like to make me an offer.
Anonymous says
Would love a copy of a Pineapple cheesecake recipe I used in the 80's if anyone still has it.
Margaret says
do you have the lasagne recipe for one large and a small using carrots? I used to have all these books but when I moved to the Isle of Man unfortunately they had to go.
Sharon says
Have u got the choc log recipe please
Janice Pattie says
Hi Sharon
I’ve emailed you 🙂
Harriet Nice says
Hi there Janice,
Sorry to barge in on the post but may I have the chocolate log recipe also? My mum lost her recipe last year and has been searching for it like mad!
Janice Pattie says
Hi Harriet I have sent you an email.
Aileen says
Do you have the one with the coffee and walnut cake
Janice Pattie says
Hi Aileen, I’ve had a look but I’m afraid I don’t have the recipe for Coffee and Walnut cake in the H&F books and magazines that I own.
Shane says
Hi. I am after buying the July 1988 edition if you have it or a cover picture
Janice Pattie says
Sorry, I don’t have that one. You can sometimes get the magazines on EBay.
Nancy De Soluza says
Hi I am looking for the books where Ann Nicole had a course on step by step cake making. Particularly looking for the rich fruit cake recipe she had it in table form. Appreciate if you could tell me if you have these copies. Thank you. Where are you located?
Janice Pattie says
Hi Nancy
I’m sorry I don’t have that issue. I only have the decorating issue of the cake making. I’m based in Scotland and really regret all the H&F issues that I gave away.
Anonymous says
Diane6
do you still have the magazines? I've just discovered this site. I'm looking for the Black Forest Gateaux that was in one about mid 1980's, some of them got lost when moving house.
Hopefully
JC
Maggie says
I love those magazines and have managed to keep several copies despite many house moves, I have the Christmas freeze away which is used every year. The vegetable terrine is the best ever and such a time saver.
I lost my copy of the one that had a Dutch Apple Cake recipe, it had a demerara sugar topping, if anyone has a copy I would very much appreciate it. I will check the ones I have for the Black Forest Gateaux.
Janice says
I'm afraid I have very few, the one in the blog post and some pages with favourite recipes I took from a few others.
However, I do have four of the little books, The Complete Freezaway Christmas Cookbook, Christmas from the Freezer, Will it Freeze and 100 Best Apple Recipes.
Diane: There is a recipe for Black Forest Gateau in both of the Christmas books, so I will see if I can post it up for you soon.
Maggie: I hoped the Dutch Apple Cake might have been in the 100 Best Apple recipes but unfortunately not. Good luck finding the recipe. I do have a Rachel Allen Recipe for Dutch Apple Cake which is excellent and you will find it if you search my blog.
keepsmeoutofmischief says
I used to love these magazines when I was little, my mum had loads, but she got rid of them when we moved house. We loved the honey and blueberry (possibly blackcurrant) baked cheesecake. Mum used to make it whenever she had a dinner party and we used to pray that there would be some left for us the next morning! I'd love to make it for her again, does anyone have the recipe?
Linda says
I also love H&F Digest. I have ONLY preserved one magazines – "Cooking for Christmas" (1977) I STILL USE it.However,the pages are so 'aged'& separated now it's difficult to work,from.
IF I HAD TIME I could salvage some recipes by typing them out.However,the truth IS " I would love a copy of this 'TREASURE'.
Linda
alicia says
Has anyone kept the recipe from Home and Freezer for Blackberry Velvet pie? It's a favourite at an annual swimming event and I've lost my tatty copy of the recipe.
Anonymous says
I loved these little books! We used to love a liver recepie that was tossed in flour with tomatoes if anyone can find it
alicia says
I've looked through my 14 old copies and have found 'Saucy Liver'which serves 4.Not sure if this is your recipe as liver isn't tossed in flour but recipe follows anyway!
2 tablesp oil
2 med onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped (optional)
1lb (450g) lamb's liver sliced
4 oz (100g)streaky bacon, rind removed, chopped.
1 med cooking apple, peeled, cored and sliced
1 x 15 oz (425g) can cream of mushroom or tomato soup
1/4 teasp dried mixed herbs
salt and black pepper
1. Heat il in a large pan and fry onions, garlic and liver until lightly browned.
2. Stir in soup, herbs and seasoning. Reduce heat, cover and cook 15-20 mins. stirring occasionally, till liver is tender.
To freeze: cool quickly. Pack in rigid container and use within 2 months.
To serve from freezer: thaw 4-6 hours in fridge. Simmer in pan 15 mins. Or microwave from frozen 15-20 mins on full power.
Janice says
How kind of you Alicia, hope it's the one that was requested.
Anonymous says
I use 'Christmas From the Freezer' every year, to make my mincemeat and Christmas puds. They're the best recipes I've ever found.
I lost my copy a couple of years ago, and bought a used copy through Amazon.
Anonymous says
My Mum used to get these brilliant little magazines when I was young! I loved them and couldn't help but smile when I saw the snowman cake here – I made lots of those for my son's primary school Christmas fairs. If anyone has one of their recipes called campfire casserole I'd love to see it again. Wish I hadn't thrown them all away….
birdyjude says
I loved these little magazines and have been trying to find a recipe that I used to make for an easy Chocolate Icecream. It was made with evaporated milk and was gorgeous. If anyone has, or knows, the recipe I'd be very grateful to find it again!
Thanks
Anonymous says
I also loved the home & freezer digest had all of them then regrettably threw them away in a house move, and now would love to now who wrote the step by step series as I would love to ave a copy of the step by step chicken pie recipe. It was beautiful and could also be used as a supreme recipe. If anyone can help that would be fantastic.
Anonymous says
I used to love these too. Had a great recipe for a lighter Christmas pudding, like sponge, with dried fruit and glacé cherries. Wish I could find that recipe somewhere.
Clare says
Emergency, does anyone have mincemeat recipe from the xmas from the freezer. I have used this for years my family love it but I have lost it in the move from UK to Canada. Please help if you can
Janice says
Claire – good news! I still have Christmas from the Freezer and will post the recipe. I'm going out today, but will see if I can post later tonight. Keep an eye on my blog over the next couple of days.
Janice
dragonfly63 says
HELP. SWEET AND SOUR GAMMON
I used to cook a recipe from Home and Freezer Digest (from a blue pullout centre section) called Sweet and sour gammon, I can remember the ingredients, gammon, green pepper, piccalilli, cider, Carrots and cornflower but can't remember the quantities and I would love to cook it for guests at New Year – please can anyone help? Thanks
Janice Pattie says
Sorry I don't think I have that one, hope someone comes up with it.
SueW says
How I wish I had never thrown my complete collection away when moving, I keep trying to find the step by step chicken pie recipe, an advert recipe of coffee & walnut fudge cake which was either by stork or Tate & lyle and a step by step steak & kidney pie. If anyone knows who the recipe authors were or have the recipes I would be truly grateful
Sue Russell says
Hello… I am desperate to hunt down the parsnip stuffing recipe from the Christmas from the freezer book.. Would love any help please! Sue russell
Margaret49 says
Does anyone have the tarragon chicken recipe from the home and freezer digest
Karen Ray says
Hi I saved my Freezer Digest Magazines for years and years and then they were thrown out in a house move. Does anyone have the recipe for chocolate mint squares. I used to make them for Christmas presents and would like to find the recipe. Here's hoping someone has it.
Karen, Stoke on Trent
Wendi says
Hi does anyone have Home & Freezer Digest with the Tunis Cake Recipe. Picture was on the front cover, – it was in the 80's.
Until 3yrs ago I got my beloved copy out every year & got baking – it used orange rind & juice if that jogs anyones memory!
I left the magazine out, as my son wanted a copy &after Christmas all I had was the cover – which has since gone.Can remember some of the recipe, but haven't found another that 'rings a bell'
Here's hoping, thanks
Nick says
Hi Wendy: Sorry, I don't have a copy, but if it's any small consolation, my mum lost hers about the same time and is in the same predicament…
Janice Pattie says
Sorry Wendy, I don't have that one. Perhaps someone else will post it, fingers crossed.
Janice Pattie says
Sue – sorry I missed your request or saw it and then forgot to go and look for the recipe!
Here it is:
Parsnip Stuffing
(for an 8-12lb (3.65-5.40kg) turkey
10oz (275g) onions, chopped
1lb (450g) parsnips, scrubed and chopped
1lb (450g) sausagemeat
4oz (100g) fresh breadcrumbs
1 lev tbsp chopped parsley
2 lev tbsp tomato puree
1 eating apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 lemon, rind and juice
2 eggs beaten
turkey liver, chpped
1/2 lev tsp salt
pepper
2 lev tsp thyme
2oz (5og) butter, melted
Boil onions and parsnips until tender. Drain well and mash. Mix with rest of ingredients. Stuff into body cavity.
Michael says
I am looking for the Turkey Wellington recipe which i believe was in the December 1988 copy of Home and Freezer Digest. Can anyone help please.
Thank you.
Anonymous says
Like all of you – I wish I had not thrown out my copies of this brilliant little booklet! I have been hunting high and low for an Easter cake recipe – must have been in the 80's and it was for a light fruit cake and dark fruit cake, sandwiched together with marzipan, so that when it was cut, you had a slice of a two-tiered cake. It was suggested that it was made in one big tin, with a divider of sorts between the two. I would love the original recipe of anyone can help…Anna
Anonymous says
Im looking for the dessert recipe that used nice biscuits, fromage, cream,etc it was layered tastiest dessert ever, can any one help
Tracy Corbett says
I have just come across this blog. I used to love these magazines and have most copies from 1983. If Wendy is still looking for the Tunis Cake recipe I have it. If anonymous has any idea of the year I will try to find it.
Patchwork Dragon says
Just came across this too! I was searching online to see if I could find a recipe that was like the Strawberry Choc Pots I made from Home & Freezer Digest. I did love that mag, and like most of you am sad that I got rid of them, although I had kept that recipe mentioned above, but can no longer find it.
Fionnuala says
I'm just leafing through the Jan. 1979 edition. Wonderful stuff. You can check out my blog post about it at http://www.threesonslater.blogspot.com later on if you like.
Blythe says
I’ve been searching for a chicken liver pate with a mushroom and parsley layer recipe. Unfortunately like many others I got rid of the bulk of my copies of this wonderful little publication some time ago. I would be eternally grateful if anyone has this recipe.
MaryJ says
Hi
Does anyone have the curry recipe for Xmas left over turkey please. My daughter wants me to make it for her but we’re moving and it’s in a box somewhere! I think it was from Christmas from the freezer 1970’s
Janice Pattie says
Hi Mary, I’ve checked Christmas from the Freezer and I can only see a recipe for Curry sauce rather than a Leftover Turkey Curry recipe. I’ve also checked The Complete Freezeaway Christmas Cookbook with no luck. Sorry.
MaryJ says
Hi Janice
Thanks for your prompt reply.
It may well have been the sauce, I remember it included raisins & apple so if that’s on your recipe it may well be the same one. Any chance you could send it to me please?
Janice Pattie says
Done!
Margaret Field says
Hi Janice
I’ve lost my recipe for the Home and Freezer chicken in white wine. Are you able to help if you have this.
Janice Pattie says
Hi Margaret, I’ll have a look and see if I can find that recipe.