I like the older editions as well.
The lady who turned out, over the years, to be my best friend in the world made a leftover Turkey casserole from JOC the first time she invited me to her home. Later, I wanted the recipe, but all she could remember was that it originally came from JOC.
I liked it so much I searched high and low for the edition that had that specific recipe, and finally found it in the thrift store. So there are two editions on my shelf, now - that older one, and a a much newer one.
A lot of my favorite, basic recipes have come from JOC.
-JT
I sought out the older edition as well. The older books have an extra ingredient in the recipe for veal stew which really makes the dish. It calls for bacon to be wrapped around each piece of veal before browning. The bacon adds an extra flavor and depth to the stew which makes it worth the added fiddly step. We serve it over baked potatoes. Tastes, and smells heavenly, on a cold winter’s evening.