- by Jenny
- Dorothy Lamour
‘Ave a banana! I am still singing “A Sweater, A Sarong and a Peekaboo Bang” after a lovely evening at Matthew and Angela’s house for dinner on Friday. We watched this classic ditty performed by Paulette Goddard, Dorothy Lamour and Veronica Lake as we scoffed...
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong, Gloria Swanson
Just back from the wedding of the century, Grace and Douglas are now HITCHED and what a wonderful day it was! Great to spend time with lots of the Walthamstow posse, there was much crazy dancing – especially from Cary who was doing his...
- by Jenny
- Mae West
I trust you are signed up to our mailing list? If so you’ll have received Mae’s Pumpkin Pie recipe today. There is a very special prize on the table for all of our test cooks this month – a chance to come to...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
Some might say it is a rotten rainy night in London but I rather like it – especially as I’ve been in all evening rather than scouting for boys at the Circulus gig. I rather fancied seeing if I could bag myself a bearded boy but...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Tonight I went on the first blind date I have been on in approximately 4 years I reckon (I’m not counting the George Clooney lookalike as he was a friend of Ava’s and therefore had a personal recommendation). Surprisingly, it was a highly enjoyable experience....
- by Jenny
- Agnes Ayres, Joan Crawford, Rudolph Valentino
My lovely new table and chairs were put to good use on Sunday as I had four fabulous chums over for a Sheik related dinner. The menu was supposed to be: Adolph Menjou’s Venetian Spiced Cheese, Rudolph Valentino’s Secret Spaghetti Sauce and Agnes Ayres’...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
I really intended making Carole’s soup tonight but I admit it, I got too drunk. Since moving into the Palace of Solitude, Fridays have become the most significant night in my (un)social calendar. I wriggle out of all and any invitations and scurry home so that...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
What would you say if I told you that I have made my OWN Bisquick? I found a recipe on the internet and decided that as we can’t get it in the UK (and our supermarkets don’t seem to have anything approaching its genius) I...
- by Jenny
- Claudette Colbert, Rita Hayworth
Ooh, I had an outfit a bit like that on Second Life. Been so long since I went there though I’ll have forgotten how to do everything I’m sure. I did enjoy meditating by the fountains with doves flying around though. Oh and I did like my...
- by Jenny
- Sonja Henie
I’m feeling a bit like that today Sonja! Not sure if it is the weather (beautiful hot sunny day here in London), my new “Friends of the Zoo” membership (Tuesday is Zooday from now on) or just general joyfulness for no apparent reason. I’m not going...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Slightly chaotic at Silver Screen Suppers Towers tonight as I attempt a singleton’s version of Joan’s recipe designed to serve eight people. She sure did love to entertain. I am left with the sneaking suspicion that because I had to...
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong
A momentous day today for Renee who after 7 years working for the Archive is now off to another job, still within the company but not where I can hear her cracking up with laughter about something almost every day. She’s been behind my right...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Today I am featuring my first ever guest post. C. Aubrey’s review of his attempt at Joan’s Pork Chops made me laugh out loud so I thought I would feature it here in full. Through consultation with Matthew Coniam over at www.movietone-news.com we...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Well I wasn’t expecting to enjoy that but I did! A weird combination on paper, but on toast, not bad! Picture here… Mind you, my enjoyment may have been partly to do with a raging hangover caused by much beer, wine and whiskey...
- by Jenny
- Marion Davies
Had a fantastic time last night at the Wind-Up. It’s Walthamstow Arts Trail week and Mo had made an incredible outfit from 78rpm record covers – cardboard ones making the body of the dress and train and folded paper one making frilly decorations and a...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
This is my favourite Joan Crawford “look” and if I had the guts I’d have my hair like this. I’d wear the same kind of trashy outfits she wears in “Rain” too, she looked superb even though she was playing a woman of ill repute. ...
- by Jenny
- Dorothy Dwan, Joan Crawford
Rosalind and Jimmy are true friends. Even though they didn’t like the sound of Joan’s Banana Salad (bananas / mayonnaise / peanuts / lettuce) they both tried some. Jimmy’s initial one word comment upon tasting it of: ...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Joan’s steak was a big success with Charley. He said something along the lines of “enormo-cheese!” when it came out of the oven which in Charley speak is a compliment to the chef. It really was a delicious hunk of cheesy mustardy meat, I could...
- by Jenny
- Errol Flynn
Aw Errol – you were such a softy really. Are you on a BOAT with that cat?! I’m recovering from a late night DJing job at probably the nicest wedding we have ever played at. The bride was so HAPPY. I’ve been to so many...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
I am only going to forgive Joan for her Almond Soup because she is wearing such a nice hat. What can I say about it without being rude? It was not to my taste is probably the best way of putting it. Still, Gary C is...
- by Jenny
- William Powell
I made a second batch of the Vatrouskis this morning and took them into work. A big hit. I may have to make another lot tomorrow as they went on the special “treats” spot around 9.40 and were gone by 9.45! Might try a variation...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford, Sylvia of Hollywood
Welcome to Joan Crawford month. I’ve set myself the probably impossible task of testing all of her recipes except the Meat Loaf this month. Still saving up for the legendary Meat Loaf – ingredients cost about £60! Am planning to make it on my birthday...
- by Jenny
- Oliver Hardy
I’ve had an excellent response to this month’s newsletter from the Artist Formerly Known as Gene. If any lady out there is thinking of having a Joan Crawford style dinner party, he has offered his services as the “bearded artist” she suggests inviting as the type of...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford, William Powell
I’m in a drunken stupour at 8pm listening to Blur’s “Girls and Boys” on the radio and feeling a special relationship to the bassline just because I sat next to Alex James on Market Kitchen and absorbed some of...
- by Jenny
- Joan Crawford
Charley was like a monkey at the zoo when he saw Joan’s Pork Chops come out of the oven! I must admit they did look delicious all smothered with red onions and doused in 1/4 pound of butter. They were really very...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
I am not normally a jealous person but when a new test cook in the USA sent me a photo of the stove on which she cooks I went BRIGHT GREEN with envy. A 1936 “Magic Chef” cooker that is a joy to behold. Check...
- by Jenny
- Shirley Temple
Anyone who has read The Celestine Prophecy knows that coincidences can be meaningful. Well, I’ve had a whole heap of them this evening. Yesterday I felt that, almost a year after splitting with Sidney. I was ready to get back in the fray. So I took...
- by Jenny
- Jimmy Stewart
Well it took me almost all day to make Jimmy’s pie but it was worth it. Utterly delicious. I managed to break one of my favourite plates, cover the kitchen in home made chicken stock and smash a pyrex dish (which I thought was impossible) in...
- by Jenny
- Dorothy Lamour
I am returned from the wilds of Essex where my niece Lucy got hitched to the lovely Helen. There was no “best man” for me to get myself into trouble with which was just as well. I seem to remember giving a rendition of “I...
- by Jenny
- Lupe Velez
Did anyone get today’s Independent or Daily Telegraph? FABULOUS picture of the Shellac Sisters at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival – but would you believe it, I was in the LOO so am not in the picture! I don’t mind at all, I always look too...
- by Jenny
- Margaret Sullavan
Nice hairdo Margaret. Hair very much on my mind at the moment as I prepare for Vintage at Goodwood. Shall I go and have a radical haircut so that I can do some proper Victory Rolls? As I got a surprise bonus at work today...
- by Jenny
- Ginger Rogers, Rudolph Valentino
My heart nearly burst with pride when I saw the photos of three test cooks I have never met cooking up a storm one Sunday for the Silver Screen Suppers project. Nathalie, Zsa Zsa and Esther obviously had a whole...
- by Jenny
- Irene Dunne
It’s a shame that the top of Irene’s head has been chopped off by my computer, her hairdo is ace. If I had the guts, I’d have mine cut like this so I could rock Irene’s look at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival next weekend....
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong
Had another bash at Anna’s duck dish last night as Daryl (we must get him a film star name) came round for dinner. The duck was definitely not as nice as when I made it for Edmund and I tried to work out why....
- by Jenny
- Louise Brooks
Oh what a beauty! Louise is definitely in my top three most beautiful screen icons. I just love her on screen, and love all her studio shots and publicity photos too. What a babe. I made her favourite recipe tonight for two lovely men...
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong
I’ve got a day off work today and it is bliss. I’ve got a batch of tea cakes in the oven and I’m still not dressed at 11am. I’m sure that Anna May would have worn something a little more slinky than a muu muu...
- by Jenny
- Marion Davies
Well, Marion’s cheesecake was the biggest hit yet with my work colleagues. Marie pronounced it to be “Possibly the BEST CAKE IN THE WORLD!” and Edward G said, “great, really great, REALLY great” between mouthfuls. It was still warm from the oven as I had made...
- by Jenny
- Marion Davies
It is taking me a long time to get used to the idea that I can live exactly as I please now I have my own place. Tonight I am experimenting with doing exactly what I want… I’ve been DJing with my Sisters all day at a...
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong
Edmund read Tuesday’s post and decided that he would like Anna May’s Duck for his dinner last night. He missed the party and wanted to peruse my new flat. As a man with a penchant for the 1930s I knew he’d like...
- by Jenny
- Anna May Wong
Oh my goodness, it feels like being in an industrial kitchen this evening as I try and cook TWO main courses. AMWs duck – for the first time ever – plus my all time favourite non-silver-screen-suppers dish – Leon’s Sausage, Kale and Flageolets Casserole....
- by Jenny
- Vincent Price
To say that my housewarming was a humdinger would, I think, be an understatement. What a wonderful and crazy night it was. I tried to make a list of everyone who rocked up, I got to 61 people and then realised I was still drunk so...
- by Jenny
- Josephine Baker
Apologies, apologies. I am very behind with sending out recipes to test cooks. I have been running around getting ready for my housewarming and hereby PROMISE to get back on track when I am surrounded by empty beer cans and overflowing ashtrays on Saturday. Or if...
- by Jenny
- Charlie Chaplin
Today I am very excited to report that at last we have a Charlie Chaplin recipe to test. This is almost the Holy Grail for us (when Marilyn Monroe’s diaries are published in October we will have it!) and this is such a ridiculously exciting moment....
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
Well I learned several lessons making Ronald’s pie last night. First one was that a small mistake in a recipe can cause absolute chaos! This is why I am so grateful to all my test cook volunteers, because if I make a howler like there was...
- by Jenny
- Ronald Coleman
“They talk of the artist finding liberation in work, it is true. One can be someone else in another, more dramatic, more beautiful world.” Oh how true Ronald! That’s what it is like in Silver Screen Suppers world. Liberated! More dramatic and more beautiful. Lovely....
- by Jenny
- Ginger Rogers
Hello sailor!!! I am loving Ginger tonight because unlike her Butterscotch Date Pudding, the Coffee Parfait is a resounding success. Ginger has gone from having the worst ever Silver Screen Suppers recipe to having one of the best. SCRUMPTIOUS! Oh yum, yum, yum. Mind you, I...
- by Jenny
- Fred MacMurray
Love the quizzical look Fred! Also love your cake, which is baking as I write, filling my kitchen with a delicious chocolate aroma good enough to eat. YUM. It’s for my boss’s birthday tomorrow – this has got to be better than taking...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
I feel a bit like that today Carole – yipee! The first ever Silver Screen Suppers newsletter has gone out today and our first cookalong begins. I wonder how many folk around the world will try out Carole’s Barbecued Spare Ribs in...
- by Jenny
- Gloria Swanson
The wonderful portrait painter Brian Dennis won this dress – designed by Gloria Swanson – in our recent competition. He is now spreading the love and running his own contest for one lucky lady (or indeed a slender man) to have their portrait painted...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
Shoulders! They are playing the National Anthem and I am feeling all tearful and worried for our boys. COME ON ENGLAND! It’s such a momentous match, so very exciting. I’m watching it at home as I am hosting a post match barbecue so have to...
- by Jenny
- Marlene Dietrich
Our Pittsburgh turned Dallas based test cook Josef VS sent in a report on Marlene’s Lamb Chops a while back and it’s popped to the top of the “to-blog” list. I’m working my way through them all because round 3 of testing starts in...
- by Jenny
- Gary Cooper
Well howdy doody there Coop! Nice cowboy stance you great big hunk you! The lovely Will up there in Doncaster made Coop’s Griddle Cakes the day after he tried out Veronica’s Spiced Beef and Peas. The result being that he felt that he was, “as...
- by Jenny
- Veronica Lake
It’s time for me to get back on track writing up test cook reports on recipes. My mind has been scattered to the four winds with all this moving business but it feels like heaven to be in my new place and all kinds...
- by Jenny
- Johnny Weissmuller
Johnny’s pie was a flop. I think that I overcooked the custard and under whisked the meringue. It tasted good but it was such a floppy consistency it would have made a perfect custard pie in a Mack Sennett movie. A lesson learned – do...
- by Jenny
- Maurice Chevalier
My first proper dinner for friends in my new flat was TERRIFIC! Progress on the jigsaw was made and Rosalind found a bag of coins that had emerged from the lock up and decided to see how much money I had forgotten about. She made...
- by Jenny
- Carole Lombard
Oh Carole! Lounging poolside on a fur rug, only YOU could get away with that! Well on Saturday the entire contents of my lock-up were transported in a van and carried up four flights of stairs by two beefcakes for hire and 5 true and...
- by Jenny
- William Powell
Oh the lovely William. His moustache puts me in mind of Charley’s. I am so, so, so loving my new home. Boxes everywhere and lots of scrabbling going on every time I need to find anything but I’m loving it. 10 year old Shirley popped in...
- by Jenny
- Stan Laurel
Stan looks how I feel, somewhat frazzled! I am moving house tonight. Yes tonight! Everything I own is going to be in one place. I can hardly believe it. I will be installed in my 1930s Palace of Solitude behaving like I am in an episode...
- by Jenny
- Rudolph Valentino
Is Rudi on board a boat here? I think he might be, in which case I am happy. For I am off on a boat trip later myself. A blind date with someone called Oliver. I am breaking all dating rules by not meeting on...
- by Jenny
- Rita Hayworth
Oh my goodness Rita was so gorgeous. Here’s a picture for fans of “opera gloves” – there is a whole site dedicated to film stars wearing opera gloves somewhere in this crazy world that is the internet. There’s an Angel (Dust) Food Cake in the...
- by Jenny
- Bette Davis, Joan Crawford
“I only want to talk about the nice things.” A superb afternoon and evening incorporating much Joan and Bette madness was had today. The noodles were very strange but tasty. Incorporating half a pound of cheese (a whole standard...
- by Jenny
- Bette Davis
“I didn’t bring your breakfast, because you didn’t eat your din-din!” Happy Birthday Blog! It is 4 years since this blog was stared and my goodness, what a lot has happened. A commemorative batch of Bette’s Baked Beans are in the slow cooker – it...
- by Jenny
- Rudolph Valentino
Rosalind has always been an inventive cook. Once she invited me over for dinner and we drank so much wine that all she could manage in the end was a square of chocolate melted into a bowl of creamed rice. Last night she excelled...
- by Jenny
- John Wayne
“Women have the right to work wherever they want, as long as they have the dinner ready when you get home” Hmm. Thanks for that Duke! Well the clue should have been in the title of the dish – but that was VERY, VERY cheesy. As...
- by Jenny
- Clark Gable
Did anyone see me on the tele last night? Market Kitchen was on twice and I watched it with two different bunches of chums. The first screening (with champagne and crisps) was at Paulette’s place and it was so weird seeing myself on the box. ...
- by Jenny
- Jean Harlow
Just back from a wonderful weekend in Stroud with Gary C and chums. Two days of belly dancing, eating a vast amount of delicious food and consuming a vast amounts of red wine and fruity cocktails. Fabulous! Just wanted to write a quick...
- by Jenny
- Janet Gaynor
Oh what FUN it was to be on Market Kitchen! They had cooked up 4 dishes to be sampled but I was so nervous I didn’t take a bite of any of them! Alex James from Blur was on the show too and my favourite...
- by Jenny
- Cary Grant
My lovely work colleague Kim came over last night for a trying on session and Cary’s Pie. We are going to an awards ceremony next week and Kim wanted something vintage to wear. My wardrobe was raided, many frocks were paraded up and down the...
- by Jenny
- Barbara Stanwyck, Jimmy Stewart
Tonight’s post is a slow process because to be frank, I am absolutely sloshed. Usually a fast touch typist, tonight this is like typing underwater… My lovely Walthamstow chums have been over for lunch and it was supposed to be a dinner and a movie...
- by Jenny
- Rudolph Valentino
My lovely friend Gary C is coming to stay for a couple of nights next week so I have made a batch of Rudi’s spaghetti sauce for us to have one night for dinner. I couldn’t get the Italian sausage I usually get for this...
- by Jenny
- Dolores Del Rio
“Beauty does not come with creams and lotions. God can give us beauty, but whether that beauty remains or changes is determined by our thoughts and deeds.” Wow, Dolores you are a wise, wise woman. I shall only think beautiful thoughts and do beautiful...
- by Jenny
- Gloria Swanson
Oh my goodness! It is with much excitement that I report that the first edition of Vintage Life magazine is out and it has my article on GLORIA in it. Oh how very lovely! I am going to try and link to it here…...
- by Jenny
- Bette Davis
Bette looks how I feel. Mildly pissed off that her marmalade yet again hasn’t set. I am beginning to come to the conclusion that it must be the ratio of fruit to sugar that’s to blame rather than my technique. I’m going to have to do some...
- by Jenny
- Joan Bennett
Well, the competition has closed and the winner has been announced. The answer to the question, “Which fruit did Gloria Swanson regularly keep in her handbag?” was AVOCADO. Quite a few of you guessed correctly, and everyone amused me greatly with their reasoning for...
- by Jenny
- Claudette Colbert, Rita Hayworth
I’ve been putting off testing this as it looked like a bit of a challenge. It was, but it was worth it! Basically I made a Rita Hayworth’s Angel Cake then followed Claudette’s instructions for fancifying it with home made lemon curd filling and lemony...
