Dear Food Goddess:

‘I like to make recipes from scratch. My father told me about a recipe for spaghetti sauce that was on a matchbook cover back in the 1950s or 1960s. I have searched the various Web sites and have been unable to locate a copy of this recipe. I did try to buy some old matchbook covers from eBay that had Hunts recipes on them; however, I was unable to do so. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate this.’

MELISSA LEMAIRE, Fairburn

The goddess admits she was just tickled by this inquiry. What could be more visually nostalgic than the mental image of a 1960s homemaker whipping up dinner while having a smoke? The goddess and anyone else who has watched the ’60s-inspired TV series “Mad Men” —- or remembers that time period —- can attest that a cigarette was a constant appendage, no matter what you were doing.

After a quick online search, this divine detective discovered that a series of matchbooks featuring recipes by Hunts were marketed in the 1960s by the Ohio Match Co. Many can be found on sale on sites such as eBay and Craigslist.

The culinary queen would like to profusely thank Dorothy Davis of Gainesville, who sent in a a recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce and a copy of the actual matchbook. Unfortunately, after testing the recipe the goddess didn’t feel it was up to the standards her readers expected. It basically consisted of dried onion soup mix, water and canned tomato sauce. Luckily in the 40-plus years that have passed since the recipe’s publication, the quality of products has improved to a degree that makes an over-salted, under-seasoned sauce a thing of the past, one which wouldn’t pass muster with today’s discriminating palates.

But of course, the goddess does not want to leave Ms. Lemaire empty-handed, so to speak. She wishes to pass along a recipe for a homemade spaghetti sauce that couldn’t be easier to make. Simply saute a clove or two of fresh garlic (and a small onion if you like) in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Add diced or crushed canned tomatoes (depending on your chunkiness preference) and some dried basil and oregano. Simmer it until aromatic and thickened; 20 minutes should do it. You can’t find a jarred version to beat it for taste or price.

Recipe Swap

Joan Demer of Stone Mountain is looking for cheap desserts her mother used to make for the family during the Depression. She especially remembers the prune whip she used to have fairly often but has no idea what the recipe was and wonders if any readers might help her out.

Tommy McMillan of Brunswick wants to celebrate apple harvest time with an easy and tasty recipe for apple dumplings (apple wrapped in pastry and baked)! If someone has a tried and true recipe, let the goddess know.

The Food Goddess wishes to answer all your food questions and share your kitchen tips and recipe requests. Write to foodgoddess@ajc.com or to Food Goddess, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sixth Floor, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303.

Search ajc.com’s recipes, ajc.com/food.