I have no idea who Midgie Knight is. Googling her came up with no answers, so if anyone knows anything, please: let me know.

What I do know, however, is that our Midgie collected recipes, and not just any recipes: Recipes from the stars, which were packaged into a collection in 1933 entitled Recipe Book of the Movie Stars.

More than likely a lavish PR stunt, nonetheless to our modern eyes these recipes may just offer a peak into the stars and the image they wanted to portray: hot rolls from Jean Harlow (she's really just a nice girl who like to bake bread!); enchiladas from Mary Pickford (a little grown-up spice from our [former] little girl!). Just how "authentic" these recipes are, and if they are really from the star's kitchen, I have no idea. Maybe, maybe not.

What's really interesting to me is that cook books like this would be published during the depths of the Depression. Recipes calling for exotic ingredients like oysters, or 1 pound of ground meat -- these would have been way beyond the means of most people.

But perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Maybe these were published as fantasy books for the fans of the stars, as a way of connecting with them ("She likes pineapple, just like me!"), or a way of retaining their lustrous aura -- reminding their fans that while they cook, too, they can afford the best. After all, they're a star!

In the meantime, let's take a little culinary journey with a few selected stars and their "favorite" foods. And if anyone decides to give a recipe a try, let me know! I'll publish the results -- and a photo of the effort -- to share with everyone else.

Bon Appetit!

The Star

Clara Bow
Richard Dix
Douglas Fairbanks
Jean Harlow
Raymond Novarro
Mary Pickford
Charles "Buddy" Rogers
Lilyan Tashman

The Recipe

Vanilla Marlow
Egg Nogg Pie De Luxe
Gnocckis a la Romaine
Hot Rolls
Asparagus, Italian Style
Enchilladas
Oyster Fricassee
Pineapple Souffle