a humorous
reference to Betty Crocker, a fictitious
American housewife created in 1921 by the Washburn Crosby
Company (the
forerunner of
General Mills, a
major producer of
packaged foods such as flour, cereals and prepared mixes). The
company was receiving hundreds of requests weekly from homemakers seeking
advice on baking problems. To give the responses to these letters a more personal
touch, Betty Crocker was created. She was originally just a signature; however, due to belief and
confidence of
American housewives in Betty Crocker, her "voice" (actually an actress) was heard on the radio in America's first
cooking program. A portrait of her
image first appeared in 1936; and eventually the name Betty Crocker was used as a
brand name for numerous
General Mills products.