Experiencing a sliver of sunlight in their otherwise miserable existence since the passing of their parents, the Baudelaire orphans peruse a cookbook in the library of their kindly neighbor Justice Strauss after being given the daunting task of catering a dinner for their wicked uncle Count Olaf and his comrades. The children decide upon pasta puttanesca because it sounds entirely doable and then travel with the accommodating Strauss to market to purchase the needed ingredients with the very little money that was left them for the task. "'Puttanesca.' It's an Italian sauce for pasta. All we need to do is sauté olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, chopped parsley, and tomatoes together in a pot, and prepare spaghetti to go with it." —Klaus Baudelaire, Chap. 3, The Bad Beginning Found in The Bad Beginning, book the first (of thirteen) of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, pasta puttanesca is a quick and filling dish that Count Olaf was thoroughly dissatisfied with. Because he's horrible. But you won't be (dissatisfied that is. I surely hope you won't be horrible. And FYI: you can't even taste the anchovies). This pasta even made its way into the movie "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (2004, based on the first three books in the series). Series artwork by the wonderful Brett Helquist Note: In the book the children buy "interestingly shaped noodles" at a noodle shop while in the film they find a hodgepodge of loose pasta in a dirty kitchen drawer (which they then wash, cook, & strain through a window screen). I used spaghetti noodles, but you can totally mix it up with other types (I don't recommend random loose bits found in a drawer though). Also in the book the orphans "bought several envelopes of pudding mix" for dessert and it's later revealed to be chocolate pudding. So after your feast of pasta puttanesca relax with a bowl of smooth chocolate pudding! And don't you dare get mad about not having roast beef. You didn't say you wanted it! Baudelaire Orphan's Pasta Puttanesca Ingredients: ~6 oz. Spaghetti Noodles (or "interestingly shaped noodles") Sauce 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil 1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic 1 Can (28 oz.) Diced Tomatoes, drained, 2 Tbsp. liquid reserved. 2 Tbsp. Capers, drained 1/2 Tin (~2 oz.) Anchovy Fillets, washed, dried, & diced 1/3 Cup Kalamata Olives (Greek Olives), pitted & diced 2 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley, finely chopped Block Parmesan Cheese, finely grated (optional) Bread Sticks (optional) Directions: 1. Fill a large pot about half full with water, sprinkle in a little salt, & bring to a rolling boil. Put in the spaghetti (or other) noodles & cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through. Drain the noodles & rinse under cold water. Toss with a little bit of olive oil & put in your serving dishes. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic with the 2 Tbsp. olive oil until the garlic is golden. Add in the rest of the ingredients except for the fresh parsley & stir to combine. Simmer for about 5-6 minutes so everything is nicely heated through & the flavors are blended together. Turn off the heat & stir in the parsley & reserved 2 Tbsp. of tomato liquid. Spoon on top of noodles. Garnish with a fresh leaf of parsley, thin breadsticks, & a small amount of finely grated parmesan cheese (optional, but the parmesan especially tastes wonderful). Serve with red wine or purple grape juice & chocolate pudding for dessert.
Ah, potlucks. Some people love them, some hate them, while others feel in between. In theory, they are these friendly events defined by a sharing spirit. Whether you’re hosting or attending, it can be a great way to throw an elaborate yet inexpensive party and get together to relish a wide variety of mouth-watering meals. After all, each person brings a homemade dish, a dessert… or a minefield of foodborne germs.
These are the type of recipes that Julia Child's nightmares were made of.
Crab cakes anyone? They should have a museum out of misfortunate mid-century menus. Seriously, what were they thinking? Food styling has come a long, long way. I dare you to make one for your Friday night dinner guests. Shrimp Cocktail Tree, found on Pinterest. Stanley Kubrick Egg Treats, found on Flickr. You’re going to need a…
Hungry? You won't be. Over on the lively forum, Vintage Ads, they're currently having a "Regrettable Food" ads contest. Here's some of their worst, plus a few additions.
There is nothing remotely appetizing about this ad. Weiners in a can? I mean really! Oscar Meyer 1960's
It was a good day for a cookout. Harry poured himself a drink. Nick was coming over later, and when he did, they would have more drinks. F...
Arriving in Russia as an American student at the end of the Cold War, during the first years of Boris Yeltsin’s presidency, life revolved around food. As it...
While their names may sound like fairy tale creations, these foods are rooted in reality and demonstrate the British love of unusual monikers and its ingenuity and inventiveness.
However you dress it up it is still snouts and tails.
Mmmm, so much meaty gelatine.
Yes, that is really the name for this hideous dish. The French name is a little suspicious as well "Pigeonneau a la Crapaudine" I would read that as "pigeons that look like crap". I was going to wait to post anything from this classic book of French Cookery circa 1960, but these squab just had to be seen.
I was confidant I had built up my tolerance enough to try this again.
Here's a creative pineapple treasure chest filled with a delicious fresh fruit salad. It's easy to make this stunning party centerpiece! Here's how.
In 1939, the Institute of Nutrition of the Academy of Medical Scientists in the USSR published The Book of Tasty and Healthy Food. It was filled with praise...
But I shall never know!
Or it could actually be a basket ball.
Who could resist a platter of "Sea Bass Regence" ? Only the French could turn a fish into a roasted corn cob! (By the way Pierre, the faux-scales are pointed the wrong direction!) from "The Art of French Cooking" 1962
Nostalgia: that's what we want: the good ol' days, when we gave 'em hell. When the buck stopped somewhere and you could still buy something with it. To a time when movies were in black and white, and so was everything else. - GSH ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Over 18 only★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ No Matter What Club member★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★Fighting a never ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Persons attempting to find a motive in this blog will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
Creatures University is a 2013 American 3D PC energized experience drama movie delivered by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It was coordinated by Dan Scanlon and created by Kori...
