31 Comments
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donald varley's avatar

So am I the only ding doing who never associated "Duncan Hines" with a person??!! A human??!! Betty Crocker, yes of course! But never once did Duncan Hines occur to me as a person. A man. It's me, right? Ding dong..

I remember well your Brownies. And to this day, when I think of Brownies, I think Duncan Hines. Your Duncan Hines Brownies. The Brownies of my childhood. Crispy and moist. So yummy.

Ya know if poor Willy Loman had thought outside the box, perhaps it would be his Brownies we'd be enjoying all these decades. Willy Loman Brownies. Perhaps things would gone another way for Biff and Hap... 🤣

Love that Dolly is "collabing" with DH. Love that you and Anne are "collabing" as well. Looking forward.

And yes, Dolly made your name very accessible way back in '74. As, a side note, 30 years later in '04 the White Stripes covered "Jolene" assuring the names cache well into the 21st century. See ya next week.

As We Eat's avatar

It's interesting how we associate brands like Duncan Hines, Chef Boyardee (Boiardi), Heinz (Henry) with a business rather than, more than likely, the person who founded or inspired it. And yet, Betty Crocker, who was a fictional character developed for an ad campaign for the Washburn-Crosby Co (later General Mills) will, for so many, always be a real human being.

Jolene Handy's avatar

PS - I’m going to a talk next Tuesday about the invention of Betty Crocker and will write about it in the near future.

As We Eat's avatar

“She” has a a fascinating story. We did an podcast episode on her and GM. “She’s” become one of my heroines.

Jolene Handy's avatar

I know,Leigh! I had always assumed Duncan Hines was a brand, and I love the story of his very interesting life and his influence on dining and travel.

donald varley's avatar

🤣 ...it's so true. Jolene later informed me about Betty.

As We Eat's avatar

I hope we didn't ruin your day ;)

donald varley's avatar

...no, I'm mad at myself for having a crush on Betty for 60 years... 😁

As We Eat's avatar

She’s easy to have a crush on. She even had several marriage proposals through the years. 😁

Jolene Handy's avatar

I only found out recently myself! 😂

Stygi's avatar

When I saw "Dolly" in the title I instantly thought about Dolly Parton. So fun to get to know your story. Have a grat day Jolene!

Jolene Handy's avatar

There is only one Dolly! 😂💕 Thanks again so much for the shout-out yesterday, Stygi! Have a great weekend!

Mia Billetdeaux's avatar

Hard to decide what's better, old menus or old restaurant guides. Also, you can sign up for the Dolly restock notification like I did!

Jolene Handy's avatar

Hi, Mia! I ordered a copy of the Duncan guide, I’ll let you know how it compares to old menus! 😂 Thanks for the tip on the Dolly restock 😃

Mia Billetdeaux's avatar

Nice! I saw in this roadfood.com article that one of the restaurants from the guide still operates outside the quad cities in Wilton, IA if you're looking for a summer road trip: https://roadfood.com/still-saucy-after-all-these-years/

Jolene Handy's avatar

This is great! Thank you, Mia :)

Jefferson Graham's avatar

I'm ready for the brownies tonight!

Jolene Handy's avatar

You and Ruth c’mon over, Jeff! 😂

Jefferson Graham's avatar

I told her I wanted to drive across country in June!

Jolene Handy's avatar

How great it would be to see you both in Chicago!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Such an interesting background on Duncan Hines--and about you, Jolene! I love that Dolly Parton song! I will have to try both your brownie recipe and the Duncan Hines one. I always learn something from your writing and come away hungry for more--and just plain hungry! can't wait to read Anne Byrn's post and your on her blog!

Jolene Handy's avatar

Thanks, Ruth! I probably should have clarified that the song is not ABOUT me! 🤣

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Oh, you did! I never thought it was, but I love the connection you made between your name and the Dolly Parton song that people serenade you with at airports, etc. Anyway, I love your name. It seems to come from another era--like your kitchen and the subjects you write about!💕

Jolene Handy's avatar

Thank you, Ruth! Hope you and Jeff are well! 🤗

Sarah Miller's avatar

You had me at "cake mix" 🤣

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Feb 4, 2022
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Jolene Handy's avatar

Yes! I am excited about this!

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Feb 4, 2022
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Jolene Handy's avatar

I love hearing about your Aunt Alice, Amy! Thanks so much for always being so supportive! 🤗