Recipe - A Gatsby Era Feast

Cheers to a fabulous feast!

After World War I, the 1920s brought about an era of prosperity in America, and a contradiction of decadence and austerity - this was a decade of new wealth, social change, and Prohibition.  The menus of the 1920s reflect these changes, and many of the recipes at the time were designed to showcase ingredients or techniques that were previously difficult to obtain or perform.  Gelatin based dishes were incredibly popular due to their need for refrigeration (many people still had old fashioned ice boxes at the time), and many top hotels and clubs introduced signature recipes that were quickly copied by home cooks.  Someone such as Jay Gatsby, who had new money and wanted to attract attention to it, would have had his chef and staff put together a feast that combined some of the most indulgent foods of his time.  They may all be a bit much for us to eat at once now, but this menu is perfect for those who want to pick and choose, or for those who want to go all out.

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs Parisienne

Oysters Rockefeller

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with Parmesan

Crudité with Caesar Dip

Soup Course

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Entrée

Spiced Baked Ham - Gatsby always served a spiced baked ham at his parties

Potatoes a la Hollandaise

Salad Course

Waldorf Salad

Dessert

Gin & Tonic Gelatin Mold - Although this is a more modern recipe, we can't think of a better way to finish off such a meal