It was first published as The Sure to Rise Cookery Book in 1908[1] as a marketing tool by baking powder manufacturer Thomas Edmonds (today part of Goodman Fielder), but it is now known as a Kiwi icon.

The cookbook has been through many editions and reprints, adapting to changing tastes and new technology.

[2] Since 1955, the front cover has featured the former Edmonds factory in Linwood, Christchurch (demolished in 1990).

Spiral binding was introduced in 1976 to allow the book to stay open and flat.

It remains New Zealand's fastest selling book with over 200,000 copies sold in one year.