A few years ago my mom gave me a bunch of cookbooks from the 60's and 70's knowing how I love to recreate the retro foods from that era. One favorite book in particular is THE DINNER PARTY COOKBOOK from SUNSET - circa 1963.
It's amazing. It has all my mom's notes in her beautiful script in the margins...what was delicious, what she'd change, what she added the next time she made it...all the special details and ratings you'd expect to find in someones sacred "little black book".
This awesome bible contains complete menus for an entire years worth of parties, everything from Chicken Divan Candlelight dinners to a full scale Polynesian Buffet--which the notes show my mother hosted, clearly being a rebel in 1963 Middle America.
Here's an example of the menu for the Graduation Party for Twelve:
Melon & Ginger Cocktail
Beef Stroganoff
Rice
Hot Herb Bread
Green Beans Amandine
Baked Strawberry Alaska
I think this menu sounds as wonderful today as it did in 1963. Simple, delicious, and easy to prepare--yet it still feels like an elegant dinner. The Baked Alaska alone is sure to wow your guests and make it a meal they'll remember.
Thanks Mom~!
