Here we go. Well… here I go. Do you know what I am going to do? I am going to spend the rest of the year blogging as per usual, but also blogging about something else COOL. Do you know what I am doing? I am going to blog the Australian Women’s Weekly Recipe Card Library. Yes. I am. Did you have these cards in your house when you were a wee person? I did. I thought they were GREAT. I cooked lots of things from these cards as a child and a teenager. My parents used these cards too. This yellow box was the Kitchen Oracle at my house and we flipped through the cards with more anticipation than a swap card session in the playground.
Let me just say that I love magazines. I really do. I love all the cool mags and the design mags and some of the fashion mags… but the VERY FIRST magazine I read was my Mum’s Australian Women’s Weekly. (It was usually stored on the floor next to her side of the bed, under the Vogue and on top of the Gourmet magazine.) I remember waiting excitedly to see which school book labels they would bring out in January. I remember getting first dibs on those labels and carefully cutting them out and waiting for the super-long Christmas holidays to end so I could paste them onto my books and get cracking (GEEK!). I remember looking at the knitting and crochet patterns and asking my Nan if she might just make me that poncho… or that knitted lamb… or that crocheted mini skirt. I remember my Sister clipping pictures of Lady Diana… and then Princess Diana from the AWW for her special Di-laden scrap book… or to stick on the wall next to her bed. The Weekly. Ah. I really did grow up with it.
So, as an ode to the Weekly and in a quest to have many more cakes, slices, biscuits and hearty casseroles for the extremely hungry fellas in this house, I am going to cook lots of recipes from the AWW Recipe Box. It’s kind of like a dinky Australian version of Julie and Julia, only I am not going to cook everything from said box. I am not giving myself a time limit. And I am going to mix it up a bit so we don’t end up eating Pork and Veal all month and then just Pudding the next. And I’m not writing a book about it. Or a film even. So it’s only a tiny bit like that really, isn’t it?! Yes.
I began this weekend and I will tell you more about that very soon, but what I would REALLY like to know is whether this box is at your house? Or your Mum’s house? Or your Aunty’s house? And before we had all those fancy cookbooks and Masterchef and Mr Oliver and the likes, was this a bit of a go-to for gourmet goodness at your place? What have you cooked from this box?! How did it go? Tell me do! Did your Mum or Dad write on the blank cards that you could order for the box? Where was it kept?! Did you have the yellow Index? Did you have lots more cards than I do?
Here is the list of cards that I DO (kind of!) have in my box, just in case you are not familiar with the AWW Recipe Box. There were around 24 different recipe cards in each category. It really was an institution in households all over Australia, methinks.
xx Pip
PS : As you can see my box is missing (at the very least) the cards for Homemade Breads, Buns and Scones. If you have spares, do send them over!
PPS : If you do have the box and would like to cook along, do send me the link when you post a recipe on your own blog. Then I can link to you from here and we can all join in together. That would be dandy!
PPPS : If ‘Yellow Box’ made you giggle, then go to your room and don’t come out til dinner time.
I remember eagerly waiting each month to receive my cards lol, still have the set, some great recipes , I still make the chilli con carn with beef meat not mince, my grandkids love it! and best banana cream pie ever, but I am missing a few cards, I am after the one – for lamb chops, think you baked in the oven, sliced onions, tin tomatoes, some herbs maybe, think oxo cube, then when nearly cooked sprinkled bread crumbs mixed with cheese on top, was yum. I just can’t remember if that is correct ingredients etc but if someone has that recipe card from this set please share, I cant find it online anywhere.
Can you please share the Hot Mustard Pickle recipe? I believe it is card M18.
Hello,
I have this same 1975 set and i’ll try to reply to as many of these requests as I can ?
I am missing… F5, H23, J5, N1, N24, O21, S11, T1 and the F and N index cards! Can anyone help me out?
Thank you
I am sorry for the slow reply, Lauren. I will have a dig today and get back to you re these!
Hi my name is Glenda I have all the cards you require to complete your set. My set is missing B15, D12, F11, S23, and X20.
Perhaps we can help each other with our missing recipes. I can scan both sides of your missing cards and and send them to you by email or I can take photos of both sides and send them by text message so we can print out the images and make our own replacement cards. Please contact me by email if this can help you with your set of cards.
Here we go! Sorry for delay, the cards were packed up in the garage!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HQ4ytm6RzUuTEnGB9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RjtxX36TyCuvya569
xx
Thank you so so much
If at all possible, do you have the coconut macaroon recipe?
Hi desperately wanting the Chicken Vol-Au-Vents recipe, can anyone help?
Here we go! Sorry for delay, the cards were packed up in the garage!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HQ4ytm6RzUuTEnGB9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RjtxX36TyCuvya569
xx
Hi do you have the strawberry mousse on by any chance? It’s the only one I’m missing and am desperate for it.
Good morning Pip,
I am searching for the Devils Food cake recipe please. I desperately miss my recipe cards. My ex-husband has confiscated my belongings.
I want to bake this family favourite for the fellas at my local Men’s Shed to thank them for their assistance with fixing some furniture for me! This is the BEST recipe for a fast “thank you” cake.
I got chastised once at a parish Christmas party when the guests complimented me on the wonderful cake…..when they heard that it was a DEVIL’S Food Cake, I was very unpopular!
I’m looking for a women’s weekly recipe from the seventies: it’s a chocolate slice/bar and k seem to remember that it was a hard biscuit. And it said something about rolling a glass jar to press nuts into the top. It was so yummy, and I’d love to be able to find that recipe! Thank you 🙂
Hi there
Please please could someone pass on the Curried Sausage receipt from the yellow box. I have lost mine & it’s just the best. Thank you
do you have card 15 Germany Konigsberger Klopse, would love a copy very good recepy
Hello Pip
I’m delighted to find your blog. I am hoping you or another reader can assist me with a card from Money Saving Meals – I think it is K10 Lamb’s Fry in Rich Gravy. No joke – the dog ate it!
It’s in a box somewhere! I will have a look over the weekend FOR SURE! What a hungry dog!!!
Hello, my Mum had this box of recipe cards. I am looking for a recipe for an Apricot Slice that has a coconut meringue topping. Sorry, not sure if the card number.
Thank you
Hey Pip,
What a fab blog. I see you were still generous enough to be posting replies in October this year, so my hopes are high you may be able to help me please?
I too grew up with this set of cards. In fact, I was the one asked my Mum to send in for it and it has always been MY set! Which you will understand is just a little more significant for me, being a young teen boy at the time.
I still have my original box (including six sets of Special Edition cards that you don’t list?) but I have over the many years lost just five cards that I would dearly love to obtain new copies for if at all possible.
Would it be too much to ask if you could please perhaps photograph both sides and post the following? (Or even email direct if I supply an address?
That would be fantastic and I’d be eternally grateful.
Trust you are well and surviving the pandemic. I’m on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and currently in hard lockdown. Woo Hoo!
Have a great Festive Season.
My missing cards are:
G Index Card
G 8 (don’t know recipe because missing index!)
G 13 (as above)
H 10 Chicken a la King
W 7 Sauces for the Pudding
Thanks! Martin
I will next week when my things arrive from Melbourne! (We have just moved to Tasmania and are waiting on all our stuff!) xx
Hey Pip!
That’s wonderful and crazy generous! Thank you so much.
I’m also insanely jealous of your move to Tas. Hope it works beautifully for you.
No hurry. Hope all your stuff arrives safe and sound.
Take care of yourself.
Best, Martin
I’m looking for the curried sausages recipe. My kids loved them and I can’t find mine HELP please
Hey Marcia,
I have them if Pip doesn’t.
No idea how to post images though?
Did you want just a text version perhaps?
Hi Martin, I’m not sure how to post a request, but I too am looking for the Curried Sausages. My Recipe File has disappeared and my son has asked for this recipe. Unfortunately my memory is a bit vague with recipes. Perhaps you, Marcia or Pip could help me out. We all loved the recipes from my yellow box. Many thanks, Elizabeth
omg I can’t believe I found this blog! please tell me you are still doing it! I am desperate to find a recipe my mum had for a coffee brandy trifle that I think came from this box. I still make the oven baked mashed potatoes with philly cheese even though you cant get normal philly here in sweden (only the spreadable stuff). Best mash EVER!
Hi Rebecca! The only trifle recipe is a Sherry Custard Trifle which doesn’t have any coffee in it. I did find this AWW recipe today though, not sure if it’s the right one … https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/mocha-trifle-5617 xx pip
Hi Pip and followers,
Im not sure if you are still blogging Womens Weekly Card recipes but I like many have moved way too many times and in the process lost or perhaps given away my yellow box. Maybe I should check with my mum who still keeps and stores everything. Im wondering if someone can help me with the Banana cake recipe with mock cream double layered E12 I think. I would love a copy.
Denise
Hi Denise, Yes i have E12 Recipe Card Banana Cake:
125g (4 oz.) butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 medium bananas
2 cups self-raising flour
pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 tablespoons milk
Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy, add eggs one at a time; beat well after each addition. Peel and mash bananas, measure 1 cup, add to creamed mixture, mix well. Fold in the sifted flour, salt and soda alternately with the milk.
Spoon mixture evenly into two greased and grease-paper-lined 18 cm (7 in.) Sandwich tins. Bake in moderate oven 25 to 30 minutes. When cold, fill with whipped cream, dust top with sifted icing sugar.
Mock Cream:
As a change from fresh cream, try this beautifully smooth Mock Cream. It can be used as a filling for sponges and other cakes, patty cakes, cream buns etc.
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon gelatine
1 tablespoon water, extra
125g (4 oz.) butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Combine milk, water and sugar, stir over low heat until sugar dissolves; do not boil. Add gelatine to extra water, add to sugar mixture, stir to dissolve; cool to lukewarm. Beat butter and vanilla until white and fluffy, gradually beat in cooled sugar mixture; beat until fluffy and quite cold (10-15 minutes on the electric mixer). Mixture will thicken on standing.
Happy Baking,
Del
Hi all I am soooo happy to find your blog as I used to have this all the cards with the yellow box I loved it I lost it from moving and lending out the cards to friends anyway to cut a long story short one of my fav. recipes was a devilled chicken recipe i can’t remember if it was devilled chicken wings or just devilled chicken if anyone knows it can you please let me know it was just amazing .
Here we go!!
If anybody has the Egg and Bacon pie recipe (with the lattice top, mushrooms and parsley) I would be so grateful… it’s become family tradition to have it on Christmas morning and I’ve just spent an hour looking for it… oh no 🙁
http://meetmeatmikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/eggandbaconpie0.jpg
http://meetmeatmikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/eggandbaconpie.jpg
Hi I’m after the recipe for sweet mustard pickles from the yellow box I did have it but have lost the card can you help please Brian
Sweet Mustard Pickles:
1.25kg (2 1/2 lb.) green (or red) tomatoes
1 small cucumber
2 large onions
1 red pepper
1 1/4 cups white vinegar
2 litres (8 cups) water
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
pinch cayenne
2 teaspoons tumeric
3 tablespoons vinegar, extra
Peel and slice cucumber, onions and tomatoes, slice red pepper. Put in large bowl, add water and salt; stand 24 hours. Bring to the boil, boil 10 minutes, strain off liquid. Return vegetables to saucepan, add sugar and the 1 1/4 cups vinegar; stir until sugar dissolves, bring to the boil, boil 3 minutes.
Combine flour, mustard, curry powder, tumeric and cayenne; mix to a paste with the extra vinegar. Add to saucepan, stir until mixture boils and thickens, boil 3 minutes. Bottle while hot.
Makes about 3 cups.
Looking for the recipe for the curried meat pasties N8. Hopefully someone has it. Thanks
I have it if you still need it Rhonda.
Hi I am after the recipe for the banana cream pie I used to have this whole collector but it has been lost in my moves. My brother has to go into hospital to have a bypass and would love me to make this before going into hospital so if you have it could you please either scan it or send me a copy please. Xxx
Wishing your brother good health, Leanne. What a thoughtful person you are. I will email this recipe to you, too. x
Curried Meat Pastries:
375g (12 oz.) minced steak
30g (1 oz.) butter
1 clove garlic
1 large onion
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon fruit chutney
salt, pepper
1 egg-yolk
1 tablespoon water, extra
500g (1 lb.) packaged puff pastry
Heat butter in pan, add meat, peeled and finely-chopped onion, crushed garlic. Cook, stirring, until meat is golden brown, pushing meat with fork so that there are no hard lumps; pour off and surplus fat. Add chilli powder, ginger, tumeric, paprika, curry powder, tomato sauce, water, and fruit chutney. Season with salt and pepper; mix well. Simmer gently, uncovered, 15 minutes or until mixture is very thick. Cool completely.
Roll out half the pastry to a 30 cm (12 in.) square, trim edges; cut into 8 cm (3 in.) squares. Repeat with remaining half of pastry. Brush each square of pastry with combined egg-yolk and extra water. Place a teaspoonful of mixture onto each square; fold pastry to form a triangle, press edges together firmly.
Brush tops with egg mixture. Place on lightly-greased oven trays. Bake in very hot oven 5 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Hi,
I am after a recipe called Macaroni Slice. My grandma used to make it for me and I have not had it since she passed away last year. I can’t find the recipe that she used but I know it was a on Women’s weekly recipe card.
Hi I’m looing for the beef curry recipe, i think it is K5 if anyone has it
thanks
Cheryl
Curried Beef
750gm (1 1/2 lbs) gravy beef 1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons curry powder 1 teaspoon sugar
1 onion 1 teaspoon vinegar
3 tablespoons oil
Trim excess fat from meat, cut into 2.5cm cubes, toss in combined flour and curry powder.
Heat oil in pan, add meat, cook until well browned. Add peeled and chopped onion, cook further 3 minutes. Add water, salt, sugar and vinegar, stir well. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer, covered, 2 hours or until meat is tender.
Serve with hot rice.
Serves 4. Enjoy xxx
We had this last night, yum!!!
Hi, I’m searching for a recipe my mum used from this set, it was for a coconut macaroon also a plain butter biscuit but she rubbed the sugar and butter together, instead of creaming them.
Been searching for ages, hope you can help
Thanks in advance
Annette
Is this still active? I am desperately looking for the beef stroganoff recipe. I remember my mum making it and it was so much better then anything I can find elsewhere
BEEF STROGANOFF (A6)
1kg rump or fillet steak
30g butter
1 onion
250g mushrooms
2 tbls tomato paste
1/2 cup sour cream
salt, pepper
Cut meat into thin strips, about 1cm by 5cm. Melt butter in pan, saute peeled and finely-sliced onion until transparent, add meat, continue to cook until almost done. Add sliced mushrooms, saute until meat is tender. Add tomato paste and sour cream, season with salt and pepper, heat through gently. Serve with hot noodles or rice.
I too bought a set of these amazing cards in the early 80’s when I began my family. As a first generation Australian raised on Euro/Asian food I couldn’t get enough of these good Aussie recipes. Sadly they went astray when I moved interstate some years ago and oh I do miss them. I will probably eventually buy a set 2nd hand. I’d love to cook those old favorites again for my kids – and their kids!
Hi, I’m missing E12 Banana Cake, can someone please help me, obviously this is my favorite. Thanks, Elizabeth
Does anyone have the recipe for Pineapple Curry…. it is missing from my box. Thank you 🙂
Hi Michelle, Do you still need the recipe for pineapple curry? Can you help me with E12 Banana Cake please? Thank you in advance. Elizabeth
Hi i am missing O19 meat pie recipe from perfect pies and pastries. Is it possible that you could email me the recipe.thank you
How many cards are in each section (24 categories) ? Just in case I am ever fortunate to find the Recipe Card Box at an shop.
Sorry. I just reread the blog — “There were around 24 different recipe cards in each category”
I have misplaced the recipe for the brandy custard recipe would somebody be kind enough to post the recipe please as I would be very grateful Thanking You Heather
Hi I have lost my christmas turkey stuffing recipe card from the W section if any one could please help me with the ingredients it would be awesome I tried to make the stuffing from memory but it just didn’t taste the same
Thank you in advance
Annie
1 small onion, 60g ham or bacon, 30g butter, 250g minced veal or sausage mince, 3c fresh breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs, salt, pepper, 1 egg
FORCEMEAT STUFFING W1
1 small onion 1 tsp grated lemon rind
60g ham or bacon 1 tbl chopped parsley
30g butter 1/2 tsp mixed herbs
250g minced veal salt, pepper
or sausage mince 1 egg
3 cups fresh breadcrumbs
Chop onion and bacon finely, saute in heated butter until onion is transparent. Add meat, breadcrumbs and seasonings, bind with beaten egg, add a little milk if mixture seems too dry
Hiya
I am chasing the Pork Pie recipe.. my card has been destroyed ?
Thank you so much for this blog.. this box is how I learnt to cook as a teen!! Wish it survived the 2011 floods ….
Hello, I’m looking for a Christmas recipe W4 its the glazed ham I lost last year and tried to make it from memory but didn’t taste the same.
I would love to get the recipe for the Savory Mince and also Crumbed Sausages .. These were my husband’s favorites … Recipe box was lost in move
Hi Liz, are you still requiring the recipe for crumbed sausages and savory mince?
Happy to assist if you still require
Teresa
Hello im looking fir the hot mustard pickle recipe which has red chillies please
Anyone withH23 chicken curry?
Hi Bernard
Do you still want the recipe for H23?
Happy to help
Teresa 😉
I’m looking for H23 too please if you can help me out Teresa!! ?
yes please
yes please
Hi, was wondering if anyone can help me with a recipe from the yellow box.
I am after D11 which is Irish Stew which is under Exciting Ways With Lamb Pork & Veal?
My family love this recipe . My kids are in their 30s & I have had my yellow box since before I had my kids were born & they have asked for this recipe
1 kg lamb neck chops 8 leg potatoes
3 leg onions, salt pepper1.5 cups water chopped parsley
Remove excess fat from meat do not remove bones . Peel potatoes, slice one third of them and cut remainder into large even pieces. Arrange potato pieces in base of large overprotective dish, then lawyer of peeled thickly sliced onions on top. Arrange meat over evenly, sprinkle with salt and pepper, add remaining onions, top with remaining sliced potatoes add water and sprinkle with more salt pepper
Cover with aluminium foil . Place lid on top. Cook on mod slow oven, or in saucepan not top of stove, 2.5 hours. Sprinkle with chopped parsley
Serve with boiled carrots cooked separately
I’m desperately trying to find the recipe for card A2 Good Beef Casserole. Not sure why it wasn’t put back in it’s box after it was last cooked but if you can help me out with a copy I’d be forever grateful.
TIA
Nikki
Hi there, I just got my hands on my mums set and was desperately trying to find the curried sausage recipe card K21. If you have this I’d love a copy desperately… Thanks so much
Hi Liz, are you still requiring the recipe for crumbed sausages and savory mince?
Happy to assist if you still require
Teresa
Hi Chantelle
Do you still require the recipe for K21 curries sausages? if so how do you wish to receive recipe?
Teresa 🙂
I am missing one recipe from my collection. It was a family favourite. Can someone copy the recipe for me so I can cook it again. LOW CALORIE RECIPES FAMILY SIZE, CARD 18 CHICKEN SHASLIKS
Hi, I so love my Yellow Box. But i seem to have misplaced my Savoury Mince card number A9. I have tried to remember it as family favourite but not the same. If anybody can help to email me the receipe my family will love you and not put up with me trying to remember hahah….
oopps i forgot to mention the set i have was the Special Addition…..
Hi, I’m the proud owner of the Womens Weekly Recipe Cards.
My mum bought them for me when I was in my early 20’s and learning to cook.
I had a particularly favourite recipe that I lent out and never got back.
It was in the money saving meals, and going through the index box I think it must have been K2
If you could send me the recipe, I’d be very grateful.
Tahnk you
My mum is missing s13. Any chance you could email a photo of it. I want the scones hahaha. Mandablitzer@gmail.com
I would be eternally grateful.
Hi would anyone have the recipe for the Banana Cake? 🙂
I really want an old favourite recipe that I have lost
It is card A13 Lemon Ice from the first section Light ‘N”lovely cool desserts
would someone please give me this recipe
regards
Rhonda
I have the set and use them still. We have our favourites. I have lost E12 Banana Cake so I would really appreciate it if you could take a picture of the recipe for me and email it to me and I’ll of course do the same for any that you want.
My yellow box broke ages ago so I made a new one for it. Decoupaged it and all lol
Thanks
Kim
Hi I have the yellow box series, use it all the time but am missing 1 card O12 in Perfect Pies and Pastries, does anyone have this recipe card that they would like to forward to me please. I would be very grateful.
Thank you Joyce McGeorge
[…] very kind people at Meetmeatmikes and Learn To Cook Methods have transcribed ALL of the recipe cards. Phew! Saves me a job. Have […]
HI HOW DO I GET A COUPLE OF RECIPES FRM SET CAN U PLZ HELP ME
Yes, I have them in front of me right now. I’m moving house soon, downzising, so I am actually digitizing them as we speak. I am scanning each card, back & front, then copying the scans into a MS OneNote Notebook.
So many memories! I bought these in the late 70s or early 80s and my mother had a set too, and I think my MIL had them as well. They were very trendy. Some recipes seem very simple and old fashioned today but they TEACH YOU THE BASICS! Anyone learning to cook today would welcome these classics, then make their own variations as their confidence grew. Once I’ve finished digitizing them, I will probably put them for sale on ebay.
I need just one copy of one recipe can u help me plz
Patricia, my box is in storage, so I don’t have these recipes at the moment, but perhaps someone else who is reading might! x
Hi Stephanie did you end digitizing them at all i would love a copy as my grandmothers were disposed of after her passing (i am devastated !!!)
They often pop up on eBay and Gumtree, Jacqui, in case that helps! x
Hi. Love the idea. I have the box- bought it myself as a teenager and loved waiting for them to arrive in the post. I am missing the Corned Beef and Chicken Vol-Au-Vents. I would dearly love to know how to make both of these as they were family favorites. I have searched the web and found the vol-au-vents but cannot find the beef one anywhere. How would I go about getting it?
I had brought these recipes cards when I was 14 years old , I’m sad to say I had to leave them behind when I moved to wa .l would love to own these set of women weekly recipe card again .
Hi,
I have this set and am missing the jams pickles chutney and relish section. I remember thinking at the time I will never cook that as I was only in my early 20’s. I could kick myself now for not getting it at the time. If anyone should happen to have it or know where I could find it I would appreciate it. I wish they would do a re-run of this set. There are some great recipes and I use them often.
Hi, We have this collection too, but have lost or misplaced our favorite recipe for Pineapple rice cream, or something like that.
If you have it would you mind sharing it with us please.
Thanks in advance
Stewart.