This Recipe Was Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Dish

Picture this: It’s the 1950s. Hollywood is awash with glitz and glamour, and amidst its golden celebrities stands the dazzling Marilyn Monroe. Though famed for her beauty and acting prowess, few know that she also harbored a love for cooking. And today, we’re unveiling the pièce de résistance of her culinary adventures: Marilyn Monroe’s beloved turkey-and-stuffing recipe. A dish that transports you straight to her dining table, offering a taste of vintage Hollywood grandeur.

The Backstory of Marilyn’s Favorite

Unearthed from a collection of Monroe’s personal writings spanning 1943 to 1962, this recipe was scribbled on none other than a title insurance company’s letterhead. This stuffing, meant for chicken or turkey, isn’t just any regular mix—it’s an eclectic blend that speaks volumes about Marilyn’s creativity. The combination of ingredients, though seemingly unusual, promises a balance of flavors that many have found irresistibly delicious. Dive deep, and let’s recreate the magic.

Tip: Always go through the entire recipe first. It’ll give you a clearer picture of the process and ensure you have all ingredients on hand.

Marilyn’s Turkey-and-Stuffing Recipe

Before we delve into the ingredients, consider this: food, much like fashion, undergoes changes over time. Some of the ingredients and techniques Monroe used might seem outlandish today, but that’s the beauty of it. To truly experience this dish, one must embrace its history.

Here’s what you’ll need:

– Sourdough bread (shredded and soaked in water)
– Chopped chicken giblets (boiled for 5-10 minutes)
– A sprinkle of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper
– A dash of rosemary, oregano, onion, and celery
– The heart and liver of the turkey

Tip: While it may be tempting to substitute some ingredients or skip certain steps, stick to the original to savor the authentic flavor Marilyn loved.

Whipping up the Magic

Start by thoroughly soaking the shredded sourdough bread in water. Once soaked, wring the bread dry to ensure it’s moist but not dripping. The absence of added fat or binders in this recipe is indeed unique, making the bread’s texture paramount.

Boil the chicken giblets for a brief 5-10 minutes. While some may balk at the idea, remember: this was a common practice in older recipes to enhance flavor. Once boiled, combine them with the heart and liver of the turkey, ensuring they’re finely chopped.

Now, the fun part! Mix all your ingredients together in a large bowl, ensuring a homogenous blend. Your spices—thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano—will infuse a rich depth to the stuffing. Add in your onion and celery for that extra crunch and flavor.

Tip: Taste as you go! Adjust the spices according to your preference, keeping in mind that flavors intensify during the cooking process.

Once mixed, it’s time to stuff your bird. Ensure your turkey is cleaned and prepped, and then fill it with Marilyn’s signature stuffing. Roast as per your turkey recipe, and voila! A meal fit for a star.

Embrace the Vintage Charm

Cooking this recipe is like stepping into a time machine. It’s more than just flavors; it’s about relishing a bygone era, the mystique of Monroe, and the allure of Old Hollywood. The unusual mix, the nostalgic process, and the sumptuous result—it’s an experience in itself.

Tip: Pair this dish with a classic 50s cocktail or a vintage wine. Let the evening be a tribute to the golden era!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a star-studded dinner, you know which recipe to turn to. Here’s to relishing the tastes of yesteryears, to Marilyn Monroe, and to culinary adventures that leave a mark. Bon appétit!

Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Stuffing

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Dive into a hearty and unique stuffing recipe inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s handwritten notes, offering a beautiful blend of ingredients for a delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 10-ounce loaf of sourdough bread, soaked in water for 15 minutes then shredded

• 1/2 pound chicken or turkey livers or hearts, boiled for 8 minutes and chopped

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• Celery, chopped

• Onion, chopped

• Hard boiled egg, chopped

• Raisins

• Walnuts, chopped

• Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper, and Poultry Seasoning to taste

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded sourdough bread, chopped chicken or turkey livers or hearts, ground beef, celery, onion, and hard boiled egg.
• Brown the ground beef in a bit of oil in a skillet until fully cooked.
• To the bowl, add in raisins, chopped walnuts, and the mixture of herbs and spices. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
• Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish, spreading evenly.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is cooked through.

Notes

• This recipe was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s handwritten notes.
• For a more moist stuffing, consider adding some chicken broth or turkey drippings.
• Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where did this recipe originate from?
A: This stuffing recipe was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s handwritten notes found in her personal belongings.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of herbs and spices used?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your personal taste and preference.

Q: What can I serve this stuffing with?
A: This stuffing pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday meal.