The other day I happened upon a book titled, Pilar Wayne’s Favorite and Fabulous Recipes. Whilst perusing said tome I learned that from 1954 to 1976 its author, Pilar Wayne, was married to John Wayne. Besides being the wife of America’s most beloved movie cowboy, Pilar was also apparently quite the cook. And this book is the proof of it.
And I saw that Mrs. Wayne had also autographed the book! There on the title page was Pilar’s autograph, right below the text, “And to my children, for testing the recipes and being my most severe critics.”
Wow. Pretty mixed message.
But still! Signed!
Evidently, Pilar took particular pleasure in cooking the fish dish above. The recipe for it is below. A quick glance through the recipe shows that it includes two envelopes unflavored gelatin, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and tabasco.
It certainly was fun getting this behind-the-scenes view into the life of John Wayne, one of America’s greatest movie heroes. And it was also great to finally clear up the mystery of why Mr. Wayne walked in that funny way he did.
If anyone wants to see/read any more of Pilar’s recipes, just lemme know, and I’ll post ‘em. I still have the book.
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
You know, I'm sorry but–I've seen stuff on Rotten.com that looked more appetizing………
wow. I SO want to do this for the next potluck, but I think I'll add some black olive eyelashes and make the mouth look more pursed and lipsticked.
HA! Excellent.
Wickle: You're hilarious. Truly. I love it.
Mr. Gill! I love it! I wish I'd thought of it!
Yes, despite my comment, I did read the post.
Suddenly, the ziti that I over-baked last night seems more appetizing than it did last night.
Ahh the the 50's, noTV dinners for Pilar,just afternoon cocktails with the first Hollywood wives that led to barefooted romps in Gracie Allens back yard with Lucy,gossiping about Bette Davis while comparing button up cardigans and stealing their kids hula hoops while imitating Marilyn Monroe.those wre the days!
Because I've never had any interest in him as an actor, I'm afraid I know zilch about John Wayne. NOW, through Pilar's cookbook, I know a little more. Sort of.
Brian, I don't think it was quite that simple. A lot of stars did, and I lot didn't go to war. Nothing is that black and white. And you are right – it probably takes guts to eat that ugly thing.
You know Wayne (John, not Pilar) was a huge fraud who avoided military service in WW2 when many of the other Hollywood stars went to war.. and then spent his entire career making movies that glorified the killing he was too chickenshit to do himself and otherwise making a general ass of himself.
Which is all to say, he probably did eat the damn casserole..
Its unclear if John Wayne could have gotten into the military – he broke his leg at USC which ended his football days and he lost his scholarship – I don't know what the requirements were in WWII but he would have been disqualified for Vietnam as many Pro Football players who were playing were diferred. Additionally he was under contract and reportedly the studio threathened a lawsuit if he enlisted. Many of the Hollywood stars who were in he military never saw any action and sold war bonds many making films for propaganda or training.
So eat the fish and shut up!!!
Vietnam Vet
John was a big fisherman and had an abode outside of Guaymus on the Sea of Cortez (San Carlos, actually – I've seen the house) from which he frequently went out and "sport fished". (That means he drank a lot with his buddies on his boat.) At some point, after a long day of "sport fishing", I bet he would have eaten anything including Mr. Gill.
“Steer Pudding.” Yum.
I DID find another recipe in the book for something I could see the Duke eating. It’s called, “Three ‘C’ Casserole (Corn, Crackers and Cheese.)” It’s:
2 cups canned creamed corn
1 cup crushed soda crackers
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1.5 cups milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Mix all together. Bake at 350 for one hour.
Spam optional.
John,
You think spam would work instead of the salmon?
The Mr. Gill remark was hilarious.
-Sam
C'mon, Anita. Inquiring intestinal tracts wanna know.
Really, Anita? Really??
And the mousse too..
Betcha the Duke didn't eat it. Salmon mousse? Maybe Steer Puddin' sandwiched between two strips of rawhide.
Lucas – that site is crazy funny…
Check it out everybody and be sure to allow yourself at least a half hour there to maximize the yucks…
Anita- if what you made in any way resembles John's picture then I'm going to have to barf for you. Just kidding, I'm sure it's quite tasty.
Yes, it's … Mr. Gill.
Hey, Lucas. HILARIOUS SITE! Yikes. And you're right: some of those images are permanently seared into my brain. So now I have to kill myself.
It looks creepy. Must be related to Mr. Bill.
Reminds me of the great "Gallery of Regrettable Food" at James Lileks site, which include a complete guide to Gel-Cookery from the 60s. Be warned though, some of the recipes there are the type of thing that one can't unsee.
I…. dont think I like food that smiles at me…
Or looks at me…
Now if you'd actually read the recipe, Anita, you'd have no doubt been happy to learn that Pilar, too, uses low-fat mayonnaise. Just one of the many things I'm sure you and her have in common….
Oh my gosh. This is too bizarre! That's exactly what I fixed for dinner tonight, howbeit with light Mayonnaise and A1 Sauce in place of Tabasco.
Family recipe. Always a big hit, especially the salmon mousse sandwich left-overs the next day.
Stick a fork in him; he's done.
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