About the Book
Did you know that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian and his longtime private chef was Jewish? What dish played an integral role in Marilyn Monroe's unsuccessful bid to woo back Bobby Kennedy? Part historical narrative and part grilling guide and cookbook, Andrew Caldwell's Their Last Suppers: Legends of History and Their Final Meals guides history buffs and gourmands alike through gastronomically inspired biographical accounts of more than 20 legendary personalities.
Unearthing recipes as far back as 323 B.C., Caldwell, the History Chef™, provides insight into 2,000 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 12-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 Their Last Suppers: Legends of History and Their Final Meals by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
About the Author
Andrew initially was trained as a classical chef in some of Bermuda's, finer resorts. From an early age he was recognized for his creative talent and has won gold medals for ice and butter sculpture.
Working through the kitchens he moved into management, eventually becoming General Manager in some of the world's largest resorts. He has managed properties in some twelve countries and later went on to do consulting in places such as South Africa, Egypt, the United States, the Caribbean, Spain and France.
Eventually developing his own hotel from scratch in New Mexico, he took a rundown adobe estate in Albuquerque and within two years 'Las Palomas' was rated in 'Americas Top 100 Little Inns'.
Always being a student of history, Andrew has walked Hadrians Wall, The Inca Road in Peru and visited Pyramid sites from Egypt to Mexico to satisfy his thirst for knowledge. The pirate haunts of the Caribbean and the lost cities of Central America have also been visited.
'Their Last Suppers' comes from a desire to combine history and food in a package that people today with their active lifestyles can appreciate. The history is cutting edge, accurate, concise and fun and the recipes are easy. "We can teach ourselves and our children so much by learning from the past. This way we can do it with a great meal along the way--Cheers!"
For more information about Andrew Caldwell and his Last Suppers book series, visit www.thehistorychef.net.