9.27.2010

Where's The Beef?



Cooking in the 1970's was more than just about tuna casseroles and fondu. Or was it? I recently found a pile of vintage cookbooks from the year I was born. This was the time when Star Wars was Jar Jar Binks free and Disco Inferno wasn't ironic. And food was full on full fat with a side of carbohydrates and garnished with red meat. Yup, a heart attack on a plate. Sounds great to me.

In the spirit of the 70's I thought it would be hilarious to host a dinner party based on these vintage recipes. My first attempt was to make Beef Bourguignon and boy was it good. So what does a classic beef stew made with a jug of wine taste like? Umm, delicious. I totally recommend it (check out a good recipe below).

I really got a kick out of all the cookbook's food photography. There was one in particular about old world cuisine with very entertaining photos of Eastern Euro grandmothers and farm animals. Goats and Babushkas all the way. And another with probably the most unappetizing meals I have even seen in print – shocking really. But somehow I know without the modern food styling, the dishes are delicious. And real. Cheers to the 70's and all it's home cooked charm.

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THE RECIPE
Mmmm... yum-a-rama! Beef Bourguignon Juila Child's way (which was originally published in 1961. It's more Mad Men then That 70's Show).

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

A table for two in the corner with a nice bottle of Shiraz please! That looks fantastic we would like to order what the young blonde lady has over there!

Mary

JB said...

While "The French Chef" show was saporous and inspiring, the pressure cooker was well used in our house. Bon Appetit!

annelise said...

Gourmet. Gourmet. Gourmet. J'aime ça!