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A post from fellow bloggerLittle Augury reminded me of this recipe which was published in the bookParty of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball
It is the story of Capote's party for some 500 of his most influential and aristocratic friendsgiven at the Plaza Hotel in 1966. At the expense of dating myself, I remember that party and all the hoopla surrounding it. Every day we opened the New York papersto yet another saga in the evolution of this grand event. Who was invited, who had left town, who was wearing what, and on and on... The party made headlines not only for its lavish details but also for all the enemies poor Truman made by not inviting them to his party. It is amost entertaining book and a perfect one for lazy summer afternoon.
Capote with Kay Graham, the honored guest
Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow
Two of Capote's swans Gloria Guiness and Babe Paley with Bill Paley
Truman Capote loved the Plaza Hotel. He "frequented Trader Vic's for Polynesian fare, the Palm Court for Tea an the Oak Room which had the old moneyed atmosphere of a gentleman's club for lunch. His favorite dish was the Plaza's signature Chicken Hash, an uptown spin on a dinner classic, refined by the use of chicken instead of corned beef."from The party of the century
The Plaza Hotel in the 60's was a one stop gathering place for both young and old of a "certain" class. I remember staying at the hotel with my grandfather en route to boarding school interviews and having lunch in a little veiled hat at the Oak Room. We had a suite at the hotel (we were stillunder the delusionCastro would stay but a few months) with two connecting bedrooms and aliving room so large you couldn't see the concert piano at first glance. Later on, I remember taking the train into the city and after an afternoon of shopping at Best & Co. where my grandmother kept a charge account for me (still delusional) making our last stop at Trader Vic's to enjoy one of those umbrella topped Polynesian concoctions and spare ribs. It wasn't until later, when I was married, that tea at the Palm Court became de rigueur after a day of serious shopping at nearby Bergdorf's and Bendel's. But the best, oh yes the very best, was a two month stay at the Plaza while I was "studying" for my Series 7 exam with Merrill Lynch. That is too long a story and definitely not for this blog! All I can say, is imagine arriving "home" everydayto the tunes emanatingfrom the Palm Court!
One of the great things about the book islooking through the guest list, too long to publish here.
Do get this book if you haven't read it. Now that I have it in my hands I think I will give it another read. ThanksGaye for reminding me! great excuse for putting down my current reading Crisis Economics: A Crash Course in the Future of Finance by Nouriel Roubini, which is very good but definitely not for fun.
But on to the Chicken Hash.....By the way, the other entree was spaghettiand meatballs. Thank heavens Truman Capote became famous as a writer. I don't think he would have ever made it as a party planner!
Recipe For Plaza Chicken Hash
4 Cups finely diced cooked chicken (white meat only)
1 1/2 C heavy cream
1 C cream sauce (bechamel)
2 tsps salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
1/4 C dry Sherry
1/2 C Hollandaise Sauce
Mix chicken, cream, Cream Sauce, and seasonings in a heavy skillet. Cook over moderate heat, stirring often for about 10 minutes. When moisture is slightly reduced, place skillet in a moderate oven 350 and bake 30 minutes. Stir in Sherry and return to oven for 10 minutes. Lightly fold in Hollandaise Sauce and serve at once. Makes 4-5 servings.
There must have been an excess of cream at the Plaza's kitchen on the day they invented this sauce. Can you imagine, heavy cream AND cream sauce AND Hollandaise for that small amount of chicken? makes my arteries clog just thinking about it. Needless to say I have never tried this recipe so proceed at your own risk!
FAQs
To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need: Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce. Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth. Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.
Why is it called baby shower meatballs? ›
Why are they called baby shower meatballs? Baby shower meatballs are just meatballs that people like to eat at baby showers. They're a yummy snack that's easy to eat with your fingers. They're not special meatballs, they just get called that because they're often served at baby showers.
Why does this passage most likely use a sidebar? ›
In addition to providing extra context or supplemental information, sidebars also provide visual relief in print media. They may be used to break up long boxes of text that become burdensome for the reader and prevent an even flow of reading.
Where did grape jelly originate? ›
In Concord, Massachusetts in 1853, Ephraim Wales Bull perfected the breeding of a cold-climate, rich-tasting grape, giving us a legacy of Concord grape jelly. In 1869, Dr. Thomas Branwell Welch used the Concord grape to launch his grape juice company. In 1918, Welch's company made its first jam product, Grapelade.
Is grape jelly okay to eat? ›
Yes, grape jelly can be healthy because of its pectin and antioxidants, which promote better digestion. Even versions containing less sugar, like our sugar free grape jelly, still make it the ultimate energy booster.
What can I substitute for grape jelly meatballs? ›
Replace the Grape Jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, canned cranberry sauce, raspberry preserves, or hot pepper jelly.
What is a grandma baby shower? ›
A traditional baby shower is a party—and so is a grandma shower! Here, friends of the nana-to-be throw a shower to simply honor their pal's highly anticipated impending role as Grandma. Grandma showers can be informative.
What do Italians call meatballs? ›
Called polpettes, Italian meatballs are often served sauceless and are much smaller than the meatballs you're probably used to. Traditional Italian meatballs typically contain equal portions of meat and soaked bread, and other additions such as egg and vegetables.
What is a German baby shower? ›
For example, baby showers are NOT held in Germany, out of a belief it is unlucky to celebrate the birth of a child before the child is actually born.
What is the side bar in text? ›
💬 Definition of Sidebar:
A sidebar is a short text in a book, newspaper, or magazine that complements the main text. Some sidebars may include images, charts, or other graphic elements. They are often visually separated from the main text using a different font style, color, or background color.
What do the upward-pointing arrows in the forum post indicate? The number of forum users who liked the post.
How long is a sidebar? ›
Most are 100-400 words. Use short sentences or bullet points. Where possible, include plenty of white space as graphic relief for the eyes.
Why is jam called jam? ›
Jam, on the other hand, is cognate (derives from the same root as) 'to cham', to press or squeeze (cf. 'champ', to chew noisily; also a dish of mashed potatoes with spring onions, as eaten in Northern Ireland). The word is of Scandinavian origin, (cf. Swedish dialect 'kamsa', to chew with difficulty).
Why is there white stuff in my grape jelly? ›
Usually that thin, white film is jelled foam. If your fruit was foamy in the sauce pan and you didn't skim the foam off, or if your mixture had a lot of air in it and you didn't do air releasing before putting the jam in the jars, the foam or tiny air bubbles rise to the top of the jar and form that white film.
Why is there no grape jelly in Europe? ›
While the French make jams and jellies from all sorts of fruits, grapes aren't traditionally made into jelly, perhaps because for centuries it was far more valuable to transform them into wine.
What is the jam they put on Ikea meatballs? ›
It's lingonberry season and the small sour berries that thrive best in cold climates are ready to be picked. Swedes love eating the jam made from lingonberries with meatballs, mashed potatoes and cream sauce.
Why does IKEA serve jam with meatballs? ›
The lingonberry jam provides a sweet and tart contrast to the savory meatballs, while the gravy adds richness and moisture.
It is the story of Capote's party for some 500 of his most influential and aristocratic friendsgiven at the Plaza Hotel in 1966. At the expense of dating myself, I remember that party and all the hoopla surrounding it. Every day we opened the New York papersto yet another saga in the evolution of this grand event. Who was invited, who had left town, who was wearing what, and on and on... The party made headlines not only for its lavish details but also for all the enemies poor Truman made by not inviting them to his party. It is amost entertaining book and a perfect one for lazy summer afternoon. 
by Nouriel Roubini, which is very good but definitely not for fun.