Well known celebrities reveal the answer to the question, 'if the world ended tomorrow, what would your last meal be?', in this unusual and entertaining homage to food. As well as recipes for many of the 'last' dishes, Last Suppers includes essays on why, where and with whom these luminaries would indulge in their final meal. From Elvis's ice cream and cookies to Marilyn Monroe's Mexican buffet, readers will learn the final cravings of the famous before they went to meet their maker.
In this “raw and heartbreaking” novel set in 1950s Louisiana, a compassionate prison cook uncovers the lives of death row prisoners (Historical Novel Review). Ginny Polk has come back to Louisiana’s Greenmount State Penitentiary, the place where her father worked and died, to become a prison cook. She knows the harsh reality of life within those walls. That’s why, among her duties, Ginny has taken on a special responsibility: preparing last meals for prisoners facing execution. Ginny prepares whatever the men ask for, even meeting with their heartbroken relatives to get each recipe just right. The prison board frowns on the ritual, as does Roscoe Simms, Greenmount’s Warden. Her daddy’s best friend before he was killed by an inmate, Roscoe has always watched out for Ginny. But when Ginny stumbles upon information about the man executed for killing her father, it leads to a series of dark and painful revelations. Truth, justice, mercy—none of these are as simple as Ginny once believed. And sometimes the most shocking crimes we commit are not inspired by anger or greed, but by love.
A journey through over 2000 years of culinary history and the final repasts of famous figures—with recipes included. Part historical narrative and part grilling guide and cookbook, Andrew Caldwell’s Their Last Suppers guides history buffs and gourmands alike through gastronomically inspired biographical accounts of more than twenty legendary personalities. Recipes are included (though the author has decided to skip the pork blood beverages drunk by the Spartans). Unearthing recipes as far back as 323 B.C., Caldwell, aka the History Chef, provides insight into two thousand years of culinary lore. Each historical figure’s profile includes a brief description of pursuits and accomplishments as well as little-known anecdotes, popular foods of his or her time period, recipes for the figure’s actual last meal, and cooking tips. Because the kitchens of Montezuma, Caesar, and other notables profiled within the book were often very basic, Caldwell brings their fare into modern kitchens, although he strongly believes that, whenever possible, grills and open fires should be used for most dishes and therefore provides specific preparation tips throughout. From the Titanic’s twelve-course tasting menu to personal recipes for Princess Diana’s Favorite Watercress Soup, Elvis Presley’s Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, Julius Caesar’s Ambrosia, Cleopatra’s Hummus, and Stone Crab a la Kennedy, historians and foodies alike will relish the trivia and tastings paired within this unique and entertaining book.
One condemned man requested 24 tacos, 6 enchiladas, and 6 tostadas. Another wanted wild rabbit, biscuits, and blackberry pie. And a two-time murderer asked for a can of SpaghettiOs then complained to the press when he didn't get it! Newly revised and updated, the 10th Anniversary Edition of Last Suppers: Famous Final Meals from Death Row contains dozens of intriguing last meals ranging from succulent steak and lobster to the lump of dirt ordered by a former voodoo priest. But Last Suppers is more than just a list of meals; you'll also be treated to weird execution facts, prison recipes, and other tidbits of trivia from America's toughest cell blocks. Ever wondered how the last meal tradition began, or what the most popular entrees are among condemned diners? Curious about the lives and loves of capital punishment's fairer sex, the Death Row Dames? Are you craving a taste of Texas Jailhouse Chili, but don't have the recipe? Dying to know what Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and other famous serial killers ate before their demise? Then pull up a chair, tuck in that bib, and enjoy!
Who knew bingo could be deadly? When abrasive trophy-wife Stacy Mellomaker winds up dead on the floor of a bingo fundraiser few of the townsfolk are shedding tears. The doctors believe she died from an accidental overdose of painkillers, but Stacy’s ghost, as well as her sister, insist it was foul play. Kay is hired to investigate, but it’s hard to determine whodunnit when the whole town is chock-full of people who all have motive for murder.
With original menus, authentic recipes and splendid illustrations, this book accurately re-creates what it was like to dine on the most famous of all ships.
A lusciously lethal novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Sticks & Scones “The main course on Davidson’s latest menu, served with lively pacing and characterization, is satisfying and tasty.”—Publishers Weekly It should be the happiest day of Goldy’s life. The Colorado caterer is about to tie the knot with the man of her dreams, homicide detective Tom Schultz. But minutes before the ceremony is to begin, Tom phones with an urgent message: The wedding is off, and the reason is murder! Tom was on his way to the church when he stopped to pick up Father Olson—and found the rector shot and dying. Yet by the time Tom’s fellow officers arrive at the crime scene, Tom has disappeared. Has the groom been abducted by the killer? Or has he gotten cold feet and walked out of Goldy’s life? For better or worse, Goldy needs to know the truth. So she puts her exquisitely decorated wedding cake on ice and begins to search for clues. Her fiancé’s life—and her future happiness—will lead her to an unsavory killer whose unholy passion make Goldy a widow before she’s a wife. Featuring original recipes for such heavenly delights as monster cinnamon rolls, savory shrimp on wheels, and sinful first wasp latkes!
Celebrated for her unique blend of first-class suspense and five-star fare, Diane Mott Davidson has won scores of fans and earned a place on major bestseller lists across the country. Now she dishes up another dangerously tasty treat of murder and mystery. For Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz, accepting a series of bookings at Hyde Castle is like a dream come true. It’s not every day that she gets to cook authentic Elizabethan fare--especially at a real castle that was brought over from England and reassembled stone by stone in Aspen Meadow. Goldy is determined that everything will go right--which is why, she figures later, everything went terribly wrong. It begins when a shotgun blast shatters her window. Then Goldy discovers a body lying in a nearby creek. And when shots ring out for the second time that day, someone Goldy loves is in the line of fire. Suddenly the last thing Goldy wants to think about is Shakespeare’s Steak Pie, 911 Chocolate Emergency Cookies, or Damson-in-Distress Plum Tart. Could one of her husband Tom’s police investigations have triggered a murder? Or was her violent, recently paroled ex responsible? With death peering around every corner, Goldy needs to cook up some crime-solving solutions--before the only dish that’s left on her menu is murder.
