The Mystery Chef

[small h]

I was browsing in an antique store and came across a cookbook by "The Mystery Chef." For those unfamiliar, this is him:

http://www.tvacres.com/cooks_mysteryc...

I didn't buy the book, 'cause it was $18 (and not even a first edition - egad!), but some of the recipes looked weird and cool to me: artichokes boiled in oil & water and served well-chilled, for instance. Have you any experience cooking these recipes? Is the book worth seeking out?

[mamachef]

The Mystery Chef is a treasure and if you have the chance to buy it you should do so immediately. You will never again find some of the recipes he gives, and the book is a wonderful read to boot.

[Jeri L]

I've had a copy for ages and have never actually used it. I'll have to take a look. Any other recommended recipes? I'm sure my husband would think it a banner day if I made him a chocolate cream pie!

[KidsCook]

I just found the 1945 edition of "The Mystery Chef" at a take it or leave it. Honestly, I can't imagine anyone giving up the book. I fell in love with the author and only wish I could write to him at the address he provided. It is an absolute treasure. I have already told my 13 year old daughter to make sure she holds onto the book. The ingredients are pure. Nothing is processed. I loved the chocolate cream pie as did my elderly parents. I wanted to know more about the author which only proves he is more than a chef. The Mystery Chef made such a great point. It is not what you buy that loved ones will remember fondly, but that which you made and so I feel like I am making memories that my family will have for a lifetime. Thank You Mystery Chef.

[bushwickgirl]

Now that you have a very affordable option to purchase, referring to toveggiegirl's post, what say you?

[magnolia]

I have the 1945 edition. It was my father's, although he cooked only in the backyard. He was a fisherman and deep-fried his catch in a cast iron pot over charcoal. He also did french fries. As a perfectionist, he cut each potato into perfect shoestring strips. A look through the book showed a smudge on on the page with the yellow cake layer recipe.

[small h]

Ok, now I'm sort of kicking myself that I didn't buy the damn book when I had the chance. I remember where I saw it, I'll be back that way in a couple of months, and I'll see if it's still there.

[toveggiegirl]

Or you could buy it online for $3 (plus S & H).
http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Chefs-O...

[time.fly]

I have a copy of the 1945 reprint, passed down by my mother who received it as a wedding present. That edition had an additional Wartime Supplement, printed on yellow paper, that offers recipes and suggestions for saving ration points in the "US only" to distinguish it from the Canadian system. Anyways, the book has several excellent recipes (Scotch Scones and Castle Cakes are standards from my kitchen). If you can find a copy I'd recommend you do, both for the recipes and more generally to read. The Mystery Chef was an accomplished writer.

[Sharkie]

I own a first edition that was signed by "the Mystery Chef" and the book is charming. He goes on to say that his recipes will be around after the buildings that were standing at the time in the United States were no longer standing. I am not sure how he was able to forcast it , but he apparently got close. There are International dishes from different Countries and a Shortbread recipe that was a Scottish secret inside. Its a neat book.

[small h]

Thanks for the info! I may just go back for it. Even though it's a year later.