OP: Washington Cookbook
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E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., 1972. Hardcover. Very Good. First printing.
Wife of a former advisor to Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter, Marny Clifford (1908–2000) had substantial opportunity to cook for and entertain many of Washington’s politicians and diplomats for the better part of the 20th century. And entertain she did! Clifford gained a reputation for her skill, as we might expect from a graduate of the Fannie Farmer School of Cooking.
In 1972, Clifford compiled a book of her recipes, as well as ones shared by former First Ladies (both of the US and other nations) and diplomats from around the world. Though the offerings will speak largely to the upper-middle class and international milieu of DC, many recipes are charmingly homey. Selecting nearly at random, we find:
- Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey’s beef soup—Senator Humphrey’s favorite, which gave him “vim, vigor and vitality”
- Malaysian curry kapitan, pungent and piquant
- Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson’s enchiladas
- Stuffed green cabbage
- Red caviar mousse
- Spanakopita, offered by the Greek ambassador’s wife
Though wide ranging in scope, Clifford’s book is exactly what we might expect from someone who entertains a diverse crowd frequently, and therefore needs regular and interesting new ideas.
Our copy is Near Fine, the jacket, bearing some liquid damage and minor wear, Very Good. A previous owner’s name penned to the front free endpaper. Pleasant to browse.
