Reuniting over the red spoon
A Betty Crocker reunion brings seven decades of talent back where it all began – in the Betty Crocker Kitchens
Once a Betty, always a Betty.
Once a Betty, always a Betty. That’s the shared sentiment for many of the people who have worked on Betty Crocker over the years.
It’s a special bond that brought them back together to reconnect where it all began – in the Betty Crocker Kitchens.
"We originally wanted to reunite to celebrate Betty’s 100th birthday in 2021, but COVID got in the way,” says Cathy Swanson Wheaton, executive editor of Betty Crocker cookbooks. “Everyone was so excited to finally reconnect—over all the good food that was lovingly prepared by the attendees.”
About 70 women showed up to connect with new and familiar faces and to reminisce about their working days.
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The attendees represented seven decades of work in the Betty Crocker Kitchens, from developing and testing recipes to guiding kitchen tours. And each of them brought a favorite recipe to share. The spread included appetizers and sides, salads and mains, and desserts and breads.
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Meet the Bettys
Jackie Sheehan
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Jackie Sheehan started as an editor for Betty Crocker in November 2001. Before that, she was a senior editor with the Pillsbury Company for 13 years and made the transition to General Mills when Pillsbury was acquired.
“Throughout my 21-year career, I worked on thousands of recipes and several hundred supermarket magazines, as well as a few hardcover cookbooks,” says Sheehan.
Her favorite memories from working on Betty Crocker are the friendships she made with her fellow home economists.
“We were all passionate about cooking and baking and thoroughly enjoyed creating delicious, contemporary recipes,” says Sheehan. “Betty Crocker is a beloved icon, and my colleagues and I all felt a big thrill and responsibility to represent this treasured brand. While I’ve kept in contact with close friends, this reunion afforded the opportunity to reunite with people I haven’t seen in many years. It was an unforgettable evening.”
Alice Hawks
Alice Hawks, who is approaching her 95th birthday, was the oldest in attendance.
