About Betty

Food lover – Cooking Teacher – Writer – TV Show Host – Culinary Explorer

As a youngster, I was a picky eater without an ounce of interest in food, but all that changed when I spent my junior year studying in Dijon and Paris. I was in France as a French major to study the works of Molière, Rousseau, and Baudelaire, but discovered early on that I was far more interested in mille feuilles, boeuf à la bourguignonne, and crème au caramel. I still remember my favorite patisseries better than my favorite classes!

After college, I set up my own kitchen, but my first efforts were disasters: burnt scrambled eggs (I forgot to stir the eggs, thinking they would scramble themselves), pie dough that was lead-heavy, and caramel sauce that broke spoons. After those inauspicious beginnings, my  husband gently suggested that I might want to take cooking classes. I did, and I cooked my way, with increasing confidence, through countless cookbooks (among them Julia’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking). Finally, much to my own surprise, I decided to teach cooking myself.

I’ve worn more than one culinary toque since entering the food world. I started out by founding La Belle Pomme Cooking School in Columbus, Ohio. At its height, over 4000 Ohioians attended each year. I taught the majority of classes, but had such guest teachers such as Jacques Pépin, Giuliano Bugialli, and Nina Simonds. After moving to New England in the 1990s I continued to teach, and today give classes at The Baker’s Pin (formerly the Different Drummer’s Kitchen) in Northampton, Massachusetts.

It wasn’t too long before my teaching career led me to writing about food. For over twenty years I wrote a nationally syndicated column called “That’s Entertaining,” distributed by Tribune Media Services. I also kept busy contributing to Bon Appetit Magazine and other publications, and have authored 12 cookbooks, the latest of which is Soup Nights published by Rizzoli (October 2016).

I also logged many hours in front of the TV camera as the host for a popular PBS cooking show, “On the Menu,” aired in western New England from 2006 to 2009.

Times are changing, but cooking and all that goes with it remain among the most popular interests of millions throughout America and across the globe. So, with this website  I hope to keep in closer touch with my readers, and to get to know a younger generation of cooks who are just as fascinated with food as I am.

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41 thoughts on “About Betty

  1. This is just a note of appreciation. I bought your book, Sunday Soup, and have been amazed by the incredible recipes! I’ve loved each soup so much that I’ve decided I need to buy every cookbook you make 🙂 You have my (and my hubby’s) appreciation for the lovely meals.

  2. So happy for my family to rediscover where you are and that you have a great food blog. My 2 sisters and I took many classes from you at the school in Columbus! We will again look forward to cooking together with you!

    • Thanks so very much for your note, and I hope you’ll enjoy the recipes on the blog. They’re like the ones I used to teach at La Belle Pomme, only updated to be contemporary!

  3. Just had to let you know that I hosted a dinner party last night based on the recipes you demonstrated at your February class in Northampton — Jambalaya, Garlic Bread, Green Beans. Everything worked perfectly and it was a great success. Thanks so much for sharing your skills and creativity.

    • Thank you so much for your note. I am crazy about that Jambalaya dish (it’s going to be in my new book Sunday Casseroles-out in 2014) so I’m thrilled to hear that it was a hit at your dinner!

  4. Betty,

    I love your cookbook,Sunday Brunch. There are many great recipes in there and I use them frequently. One of my favorites are the popovers (page 73), however, I have one question about the cooking process. When baking them my oven gathers a large amount of grease on the bottom, and I have put down baking sheets below the popovers to gather the grease. The grease burns off and creates a horrible stench and smoke that pierces the eyes. What would this be from (the butter I drizzle in the pan???) and how do I remedy it?
    Thanks!
    Michael

  5. I know this is a long shot, but I am wondering if you might be able to point me toward a source for a well-loved and then lost recipe of yours. It was a dish prepared for my husband and I by a college professor in 1993, and one that subsequently became a regular in our repertoire after we graduated and married. We brought the recipe to a family reunion one year, and have not seen it since. I have it partially memorized, but there are enough blank spots that it isn’t the same dish. It was something like “Gratin of Three Cheeses with Spicy Tomato Sauce” and may have been published in the Mpls Star Tribune. It was vegetarian, and included rotini mixed with shredded havarti and mozzarella in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with parsley, parmesan and black olive slices. I have searched high and low on the Internet and have found a number of intriguing gratin recipes by you, but not this one. I would be so grateful if you could direct me to where I might be able to find this recipe. Thanks for any help you can provide.

  6. I’ve made many recipes from your Cooking School Cookbook and love the baked new potatoes with lemon-thyme butter. But, the recipe calls for an awful lot of butter. Can you suggest a way to cut down on the butter, or would doing that ruin the recipe? I’d appreciate your advice. Many thanks.

    • Hi Judy, Thanks so much for your note. You’re right there is a lot of butter in that recipe, which is from an earlier time (1980s) when I was not watching calories and fat grams!). I think you could try cutting the butter by half to 3/4 stick (6 tbsp) and replacing the other half with 4 to 6 tbsp olive oil. That way you’d get the taste of the butter but not so many saturated fat calories. Please let me know if you try this and how it turn out!

      • I will try it Saturday night when we have guests. Nothing beats turning one’s guests into guinea pigs!! I’m betting that the other butter won’t be missed. Many thanks for replying.

  7. Forgot to mention in my other posts that I lived in Lawrence KS for 35 years and was friends with Frank and Gridley Smith. Also, Pete Wiklund was my dentist and first introduced me to your books. Small world, huh?

  8. Hi Betty,
    Nancy Hancock sent me your wonderful new cookbook, “Sunday Casseroles”. Do you remember us from La Belle Pomme days? I received it today and the next thing I knew I had read it from cover to cover. Ed walked in and chose a few recipes for me to try first. Can’t wait!

    My question is whether it is possible to double the recipes as we usually feed 8-10 people and do enjoy leftovers. Are there some recipes that could be doubled without a problem? Any suggestions?

    • Hi Winkie, Of course I remember you and Ed! How special to hear from you and to learn that you have my new Sunday Casseroles. Re: doubling recipes, you could double most of them as long as you have the baking dishes to do so. If you are cooking two casseroles together in the same oven, the cooking time might increase slightly.
      Many dishes, esp the pasta ones are easy to increase. I triple the Rigatoni with Spicy Tomato Sauce on pg 139 (I have three 9 by 13 baking dishes) when Ron invites his students over for supper at our house. Hope this helps, but you know how to reach me if you have more questions!

  9. Hi Betty! I taught at Ohio State with Ron. I was chairman of the Management and Human Resources Department. I use to interact with you and Ron at the Faculty Club after the football games. Remember LSU? I have been using both of your Sunday books: Soup and Casseroles and everything I have cooked has been great and I have received many compliments. Hope all is well with Ron. Thanks for your receipes. Randy

    • Thanks so much!I’m so pleased to learn that you’re cooking from Sunday Soup and Sunday Casseroles. It’s been a long time since Ron was at OSU. He fine and says “hi!”

  10. I have been cooking your recipes for many years both from Bon Appetit and your books. I am so excited to find your blog and website, it feels like finding an old friend. Your recipes always work and are spectacular. For the first time since 1977 I am not going to renew Bon Appetit magazine. I sure miss your writing as well as many others that were so good. I am looking forward to renewing my contact with you through these sites.

    • Dear Emily, Thank you so much for such a nice note which made my day! Every food writer is thrilled to hear that readers are making this recipes! I am delighted that you found my blog and hope you’ll enjoy the recipes and stories that appear on it. I try to post every 7 to 10 days and typically included a recipe. Sometimes I post restaurant reviews and culinary tales of my travels. All best wishes and again many thanks for taking the time to send me an email. Betty

  11. Hello,
    I just got your cookbook featuring casseroles for a gift. The recipes look great.
    I made the shrimp and sausage jambalaya Sunday. The flavors were excellent. However, the time was way off. After 30 minutes I checked the dish/rice. The rice was hardly cooked. It took over an hour to get to the point where the rice was edible. Even then I raised the temperture to 375 from 350.
    Just FYI
    Joan

    • Hello Joan, Thank you for your note. I am so sorry you had a problem with the cooking time. Ovens can vary in the way they cook and sometimes dishes will need longer. (My own oven has to be adjusted constantly because it runs high.) I usually have several testers run the recipes through and ask them how long their cooking times areHoep and then take an average.

      I’m so glad you liked the flavors and hope you’ll make it again. You could raise the temperature the next time to 375 to shorten the cooking time. Hope this helps. Best, Betty

  12. Perusing my files for a chocolate dessert, I ran across a mocha pudding cake recipe that I’ve made many time. It’s printed on a xerox copy from a newspaper. I wondered where I lived at that time and googled Betty’s name. This article “For the gourmet” probably came from the Columbus Dispatch or possibly the Toledo Blade or Detroit FreePress. Whichever of these sources, I surely enjoyed re-discovering Betty Rosbottom and finding a current connection. Thanks so much for the great recipes and memories!

  13. Dear Betty:
    My name is Lourdes Arguello. I am originally from Honduras, Central America. My cousin Cecilia and I attended Amherst College in 1995. It was our first time living abroad and both of us would attend your cooking classes in the evenings at Atkins Farm. It was not only your amazing and delicious recipes that made our evenings as 18 year olds but your warmth and smiles. Both of us have cherish our memories that we had with you. I still cook your Wild Mushroom Lasagna and love your Fist Impressions Autographed book. This morning, as I had waken up really early to prepare my usual special brunch for my husband and 4 kids… as I was whipping up my favorite Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, I sat for a second and noticed your name on the cover of my cookbook. I have been cooking from it for years and had never noticed it was yours. I feel very embarrassed to admit that I tend to overlook things like that. I just loved the recipes in this book, including the Espresso Cake that my kids love. I actually shed tears and my heart felt touched by my memories with you. I have been married for 20 years and thank you for your inspiration on preparing delicious meals to be shared with long conversations with my loved ones. I just ordered your soup book. I currently live in Washington DC and if you ever come this way, I would be thrilled to host you.
    all my love,
    Lourdes
    I think you are a very cool Grandma to be cheering for the Patriots even though this time it was not their year.

    • Dear Lourdes,
      Thank you for such a lovely note. Yes, I remember way back in 95 when I first began teaching in the Valley at Atkins Farms! In the back of my mind I also recall having some students (you and your cousin) who came to the classes! I am so thrilled to know that you continue to use my recipes and that you discovered my Sunday Brunch book! Nothing makes me happier or brings a smile to my face quicker than knowing that my recipes are being enjoyed by others.

      My husband still teaches at Amherst and I still give cooking classes in the area at The Baker’s Pin in Northampton. Please do let me know if you are back in Amherst for any event– homecoming, reunion, etc. I’d love to have a chance to meet and hear about you and your family. xoxo, Betty

  14. Hello Betty,
    Recently while browsing in a book store I came across Sunday Casseroles and the link to your blog. Of course I had to buy the book as the recipes all sounded wonderful.
    So pleased to see that you are still teaching and writing books on food. I will definitely follow your blog from this point on.
    I am looking forward to trying a recipe from Sunday Casseroles this evening for dinner.

    Regards,
    Terry Buxton

    • What s nice surprise to hear from you!
      Hope you enjoy the recipes in Sunday Casseroles!

      Are you still baking and do you teach?
      I love giving classes in Northampton, a town near Amherst where we live in New England . I still go back to Columbus occasionally to teach and do events.

      Thanks so much again for your note!
      Betty

  15. Hi Betty – Loved your class last night at The Baker’s Pin. I was looking to e-save your Walnut Rum Gateau (which was AMAZING), is is available online? I look forward to taking a future class with you and will continue to follow you of course 🙂

    • Hi Nancy,
      I’m so glad you liked the class last night. Thanks for all your good help with the cooking. The chocolate cake is
      not on my blog or online to my knowledge. It’s adapted from Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Desserts (Knopf 1974) as noted
      at the end of the recipe. You could probably take a screen shot of the recipe if you want to have it on your computer.
      Hope to see you again in class! Betty

    • I opened La Belle Pomme in Northwest Gardens (near Upper Arlington) in 1976. I sold it to Lazarus and moved the school to their downtown
      store in 1981. I stayed on as director until the school closed in 1995. Best Betty

      • I enjoyed many of your classes at La Belle Pomme, as well as your cooking school cookbook! With our weather finally cooling here in AZ, I’ve been thinking about your terrific veal and wine terrine that I would love to make again. Sadly, all my cookbooks are packed away in storage for the next few months. Is there anywhere I can locate this recipe? Thanks!!

  16. Dear Betty,
    I love many of the soups from the Sunday Soup cookbook. I just made the Tomato, Dill and White Cheddar Soup and just wonder if there is a mistake in the ingredients. It calls for 4 28oz cans of diced tomatoes which I thought was a lot, but I went ahead. It is very tomatoey and I would say it could serve 12 (twice the number it is supposed to service) or more.

    • Hi Mary,
      Thank you for your note. After reading it I looked up the origin of the recipe to check on the amount of tomatoes. The recipe appeared in Bon Appetit in March of 1997 in an article I did for them with four 28-oz cans of diced tomatoes called for and all the other ingredients the same. The soup is quite chunky in the photo accompanying the article.
      I also checked the reviews of the testers for Sunday Soup and they tested and liked this recipe (the same as the one in Bon Appetit and the one in the book) too.
      I am wondering since there are now so many seasoned diced tomatoes on our grocery shelves if maybe the cans you used had additional seasonings such as basil and/or garlic and if that might have affected the taste. If not, feel free to make the recipe with less tomatoes (reduce 1 can or 2 and see if you like it better.

      Thank you again for taking the time to write with your concerns. I hope this information helps. Mostly though I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the soups in Sunday Soup. Best, Betty

      • Thank you for answering me. I would probably reduce the ratio to allow the other ingredients to taste more prominently. The recipe I used appears on page 73 of the Sunday Soup cookbook. I will be making another soup soon as I have loved the recipes.

  17. Dear Betty,

    My wife and I cook meals from your Sunday Casseroles regularly. If we may share, your recipes are simply outstanding. Thank you for bringing great enjoyment and happiness to our lives. If you’re ever in Goshen, NY, please let us know. You’re invited for drinks and a meal.

    Warm Regards,

    Joe

    • Dear Joe,
      Your thoughtful note made my day+!. Thank you so much for taking time to write me about cooking from Sunday Casseroles. Nothing pleases me more than to hear that
      readers are trying my recipes and liking them. If my husband and I find ourselves in Goshen, NY, you can be sure we’ll let you know! Thanks again for your email.
      Stay safe and eat well! Betty Rosbottom

  18. Hi, My name is Bill Bates in Columbus. I was fortunate to be able to take courses with you from the very beginning and later from other great teachers including Jaques Pepin a number of years, even his mother, and Anne Willan after you moved to Lazarus. My first course was on Holiday desserts and included a Holiday Cheese cake with a raspberry sauce. Easy to make and sublime in flavor. I was about to make it this year and can’t find my recipe sheet. I can’t imagine you would recall the details, but I think it had Sour Cream. If you recall and could direct me to one of your books I would appreciate it. I suspect you published it somewhere but it isn’t in First Impressions, or American Cooking, and I have somehow misplaced it. Anyhow, I am glad I found your website, and best wishes to you.

    Bill Bates

    • Dear Bill,
      Please excuse this late reply to your kind note. I just saw your message which must have come through during the holiday season. So sorry I missed it. I have searched through all my files for the cheesecake recipe with raspberry sauce and haven’t had any luck finding it. I believe it’s probably a standard cheesecake with pureed sweetened raspberries made into the sauce.

      https://bettyrosbottom.com/2020/04/17/time-for-a-sweet-indulgence-with-no-bake-lemon-cheesecake/

      It is the one you wanted but here is a recipe for a very easy unbaked lemon cheesecake. It has blueberries and blueberry sauce on top but you could use fresh raspberries and cook them with sugar and a hint of lemon juice until softened and then puree and strain the sauce. Hope this helps. Betty

  19. Betty, I have loved every one of your recipes that I have made! Now I am writing my own cookbook and would like permission to include your leftover turkey salad recipe with the cherry tomatoes and avocados, and your Southwest chicken salad with the hot pepper cheese. I would certainly give you credit. I do not plan to sell the cookbook, rather it would be a gift for my kids and a few close friends. But I don’t want to use anyone else’s recipes if I am not supposed to! Please reply and keep those recipes coming! Sincerely, Joan Wyman
    19618 Claremont Circle
    Farmington, Mn 55025
    952 237 2575
    Jwyman830@aol.com

  20. Hello Betty,

    I was looking at familiar recipes tonight and your name came to mind, so I decided to send a brief note. As you may remember, I worked at Lazarus when you opened La Belle Pomme and attended many classes. You might also recall that my late wife, Kathy and I enjoyed a culinary cruise with dear friends Steve and Mary Stover.

    I hope you are enjoying the summer – it is beautiful today in Bexley, Ohio! With an abundance of beautiful tomatoes in my small garden, making sauce is on my to-do list. However, I wonder if you have suggestions for a special dinner treat I could prepare with these red beauties? I appreciate any thoughts you may have!

    Sending my warmest wishes to you and your family,

    Larry Lane
    930 Vernon Road
    Bexley, Ohio. 43209

    614-236-0329

    • Hello Larry,
      It was so nice to hear from you, and, of course, I remember both you and Kathy.
      I love this time of the year for tomatoes, and although I don’t grow them, I buy them on the weekend
      at our local farmers’ market.

      For some recipe ideas, you can go to my website
      http://www.bettyrosbottom.com

      If you type “tomatoes” in the search box on the upper right hand side of the home page, several entries appear.
      The tomato and basil tart in the first listing is delicious and one I make often, especially for my cooking classes.
      In another entry, you’ll see heirloom tomatoes listed. The recipe in this post is for an heirloom tomato salad and is another fave of mine. In fact I am making it for company this weekend. A little further down there is a recipe for Provencale stuffed tomatoes, which I haven’t made in a while but I love the flavors.

      I hope this helps you use your home grown tomatoes in some different ways. Have a nice Labor Day weekend, and thanks again for your kind note. Betty

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