At The Book Cellar last Thursday, I found a small cookbook that charmed with its text layout and illustrations. It is the Ford Treasury of Favorite Recipes from Famous Eating Places published in 1950 by Simon and Schuster. The book cover is a fold-out map of the U.S. Printed on the lower book jacket leaf is the price: $1.50. I paid the same price in 2009.
Ford and Lincoln-Mercury published favorite recipes from taverns and restaurants to induce a road trip in a slick new auto. This compilation is divided geographically: Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, West.
Clearly, this is an era that celebrates Hawaii's unionization. And, who wouldn't want Hawaii? Pineapple and coconut abound in the receipts. Pimentos, soya sauce, nut meats, and cream. My friend G and I were particularly enthralled with Fanny's Salad Dressing with chutney, tarragon vinegar, ground pecans, orange juice, celery, fresh tomatoes, and more. For this, there are no quantities because you see even now, the dressing is available mail order. Fanny refused offers of up to $10,000 for her recipes. In Evanston, Illinois, "Fanny's" however seems to be closed. We plan to order two jars of the sauce.
Equally thought-provoking is French-fried Deviled Eggs at Emily Shaw's in Poundridge, NY. Chocolate Yeast Cake from Edgerton's Dutch Manor in Chattanooga, TN. Neither of us were game for Banana Meat Rolls from The Gold Eagle in Beaufort, South Carolina. Served with cream sauce and chopped parsley. Brian would welcome Viennese Apple Strudel from Holiday House in St. Joseph, Michigan. G thinks we should make the Pear Bel-Air, a creamy fruity thing. Chicken Pago-Pago, Maine Blueberry Griddle Cakes, Bunuelos, Hamburger de Luxe, Baked Puget Sound King Salmon, Cumberland Sauce, and Angel Pie.
3 comments:
Anything in CT? Sounds like fascinating reading!
Okay, I wasn't hungry before I read this, but now I'm famished. What in the world will I find for a decent lunch now? A depressing drive past Del Taco is all that awaits me, I fear.
A, you are well represented in CT. White Turkey Inn in Danbury, Dorlon's Shore House in Norwalk, The Red Barn in Westport, Old Riverton Inn in Riverton, Westleigh Inn in Litchfield, Fox Hill and Stonehenge in Ridgefield, Skipper's Deck in Noank. Oh, and Killingworth gives us Country Squire Inn. Two of these offer sweetbreads. The Red Barn boasts Frozen Lemon Pie. Anyway, I'm hungry since I'm going to yoga soon. :)
KTG, I hope you found a decent lunch. I would have recommended anything in a tortilla anyway so my mind is at rest for you.
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