My grandmother was cooking for all of us until about the age of 93 :-)
I remember cooking first from the Betty Crocker book, the sugar cookies; and there was a strange fudge recipe using cocoa powder that my brother loved - I made that for him every Christmas, for a very long time.
Another first thing that I recall making, is blueberry muffins - from a mix. We had just gotten a new stove, and I can still see that pretty new stove, and smell blueberry muffins.
I am so glad that you remember the book!
-JT
From p. 50
Sugar Cookies
Heat oven to 400.
Blend together - 1/2 C shortening, 1/2 t salt, 1 t grated lemon rind, 1 C sugar
Beat in - 1 egg unbeaten and 2 T milk
Stir in - 2 C sifted Gold Medal Flour, 1 t baking powder and 1/2 t soda
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on lightly greased baking sheet.
Grease bottom of a glass.
Dip glass in sugar and flatten each cooky (yes, cooky).
Sprinkle cookies with nutmeg. Bake 8-10 minutes, until light golden.
Cool on a rack.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.