Thursday, January 16, 2014

Today's Painting: L'Éminence Grise

L'Éminence Grise, 1873 by
Jean-Léon Gérôme
I think this is a terrific picture. It depicts Francois LeClerc du Tremblay, a Capuchin monk who was the "right-hand-man" of Cardinal le Duc de Richelieu of France. Note the deference paid to this "simple grey friar" by such personages as the other Cardinal on the stairs of the Palais Cardinal in Paris because of his influence on Richelieu, Louis XIII's Chief Minister. The artist is also notable for other recognizable paintings such as the one below called "Pollice Verso" depicting a gladiator in Rome getting the "thumbs down" gesture while standing over his conquered opponent.

Pollice Verso, 1872 by Jean-Léon Gérôme

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Enjoy the View... Bedrooms

Bedroom, Altes Schloss, Wurtemburg

Bedroom, Gatchina Palace, St. Petersburg

Bedroom, Linderhof Palace, Bavaria

Bedroom, Palazzo Reale, Caserta

Bedroom, Pavlovsky Palace, St Petersburg

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Chris Christie GWB Scandal

I don't know nuthin' about nuthin'.

Today's Vintage Recipe

This gem comes from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook c.1953. Imagine your guests' surprise when they cut into this pineapple and discover a paste made from liverwurst, mayo and Worcestershire sauce. They'll love it? Also, note the cheese and salami bites with the olives secured with pretzel sticks. Fab-u-lous! With these ideas you're all ready for that smart cocktail party you've dreamed about having. Everyone will be talking!

Liver Sausage Pineapple



Mix 1 pound liver sausage with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Shape around a jelly glass. Soften 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatine in 2 tablespoons cold water, dissolve over hot water; add 1 cup mayonnaise; chill. Frost “pineapple,” score; stud with sliced stuffed olives. Top with real pineapple top.