VDK
Happy Easter Weekend! I am going out of line for this one recipe (I am trying to do all of the cookies first). Date Nut Bread. Check out the VDK 1941 Easter Ad and story.
1941: Date Nut Loaf 59 cents!
1941 Easter Ad in the California Eagle Newspaper
1941 Easter story of Van De Kamps
WOW! With every cookie recipe I create from the original formula from VDK I get a few minutes back of my childhood. I just wish I had a few of the original packaging for the products.
Cookie Perfection! Here is the recipe from the original VDK formula. VDK Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Oh the rich pecan maple flavor will get you hooked and take you back to 1956 at Van De Kamps Bakery. This recipe is from the original formula created into a recipe that you can make at home. I convert, test, and retest to make sure the cookie is as best as perfect as possible. If you would like the same results, use a scale and weigh in grams, use the ingredients and tools that I use and you will have great success. I even provide links to the “strange” tools and ingredients you may not have in your pantry. Good luck and Post a picture in the Van De Kamps Facebook Page! VDK Facebook Page Link
April 1956 Ad: 33 cents a package!
Holiday time Van De Kamps would sell a package of about a dozen cookies that were of a holiday shape. Here are the Shamrocks for the upcoming March 17th Holiday. Enjoy!
These and the Lemon Snack cookies were made into bite size cookies. Perfect for lunches. You could take Van De Kamps with you! Read the directions and you will have a successful cookie! This recipe is from the original formula of VDK.
A strange recipe from the original formula of the VDK Kitchens. A bit of a process, but i you follow exactly, they work and you will have great success. If you recall the chocolate cookies and want the real deal, these are them. Use a scale and get the ingredients you need.
These cookies look big, but they are about 3 inches in diameter. Post a picture on the Van De Kamps Fan Page on Facebook!
A real tart and perfect Lemon Cookie. Van De Kamps Sold these little bitesize in boxes. I have also created a filling if you would like to “sandwich” two together between lemon cream cheese filling. A few new “industrial” ingredients you will need to make these perfect lemon cookies.
Below you will find the official recipe from the formula from VDK. These are in grams and some ingredients strange, but if you want the cookie to be as exact as the VDK cookies were, then you will follow the directions.
Please post pictures on the Van de Kamps Facebook Page of your cookies!
4th in the VDK Cookie Series. If you have not been following, a former employee of VDK has been sending me the formulas of some of the baked goods. I have been testing and converting them into a recipes for the home use. BUT.. you have to use a scale and grams. It is easier really after you get used to it
If you would like to purchase a personalized copy of Made in California Go to the first page of the website.
Van De Kamps was a very special company here on the west coast. It has been a few decades since a store had a full line of VDK products. If you want to follow the VDK Facebook Page Sign up! I have been working on the recipes that have been given to me by an employee. The batches are for hundreds and thousands of pounds of dough. It is not as simple was just dividing the dough smaller. It is chemistry! I have this in weights mostly so you will need a gram scale. Also, please read the entire recipe “formula” .
Here is the Formula Van de Kamps Cherry Almond Cookies
The formula and instructions seem like a lot to read, but I want you to have success!
In a grocery store display.
Here are the cookies dipped in chocolate
Many of you that have my latest books Made in California and LA’s Legendary Restaurants , have read about Van de Kamps Bakeries and Lawry’s Prime Rib. I won’t go into the history here. I have been a member of the VDK Fan Page for a few years on Facebook. Last week the page came up and said that it was unposted now and I could be the host. I thought why not! In time, a former employee with the late quantity recipes from both plants came forward and asked if I wanted some of the recipes to try to create for home use. The group went wild. Lots of factors but would say I came close.
Van de Kamps Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here is the Recipe for VDK Chocolate Chip Cookies
