BOOK BITES   .   .   .

FINDING COOKBOOK FAVORITES

I find it great fun when cleaning out a closet or part of the garage to discover a box with no labels that when opened discloses forgotten favorite things, and last week I experienced this opportunity to find two wonderful books I had reviewed in the past that contain amazing favorite recipes celebrated by millionaires and movie stars.

Betty Goodwin, author of the Chasen's Book, did a marvelous job on this loved story of Maude Chasen and her husband who created a 'go to place' where celebs enjoyed everything they loved from Chasen's famous chili to steak Diane, prepared as you like it at your table.  I knew Maude and admired her charm and true hospitality. She made everyone who came to the restaurant feel like they were an old friend, especially me.

The Hearst Castle Cookbook is also wonderful and fills you with visions of divine parties and dinners at William Randolph Hearst's castle in the formal diningroom on the hill. I never tire of visiting this castle, and have always been facsinated by the menus planned for his grand dinners, and the modern for the time kitchen he designed.

The book contains countless recipes of favorite items enjoyed in the twenties and on, with stories on how much Hearst like to prepare things in the middle of the night, and breakfast specials he loved to serve his guests.

I was so pleased to find these two favorite books and hope to recreate a few of the fabulous recipes in them once again!

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