Hollywood has always been a melting pot and Hungarians have made tremendous artistic and cultural contributions. I thought it would be fun to celebrate all things Hungarian and to discuss Oscar winning director Michael Curtiz ("Casablanca").
The Recipe
I used the recipe of Hungarian silent actress Vilma Banky. She co-starred opposite Rudolph Valentino in "The Son of the Sheik" and "The Eagle". The recipe is from the 1927 Photoplay Cookbook. You can download a digital version of this cookbook for FREE at vintagecookbooks.com
*NOTE: With all due respect to Miss Banky, I made a few adjustments. I am only cooking for one, so I reduced the amounts. I also opted to use my crockpot, which makes things very convenient.
Ingredients
-1 packet of stewing meat
-2 tablespoons flower
-2 cups cooked tomatoes
-2 stalks celery
-1 bay leaf
-1/2 teaspoon of paprika
-1/2 onion
-dash of mace
-4 garlic cloves
-1 chili pepper
-2 potatoes
-12 carrots
-1 bell pepper
Directions
I decided to combine all of these elements in my crockpot and turned it up to high for about 7 hours. I checked on it throughout the day. This length of time allowed the meat and vegetables to get extra tender and the smell is fantastic! Obviously cooking times can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Special Guest
Alan K. Rode is the author of a pair of notable cinema biographies. "Charles McGraw: Film Noir Tough Guy" is a critically acclaimed saga of the rough-hewn actor’s life and times. "Michael Curtiz: A Life in Film" is the first comprehensive biography of the director of Casablanca, Mildred Pierce, Yankee Doodle Dandy and The Adventures of Robin Hood among other classic films.
Alan has been the producer and host of the annual Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs and is also charter director and treasurer of the Film Noir Foundation. With FNF president Eddie Muller, Alan has spearheaded the preservation and restoration of “lost” films and co-programs and co-hosts several of the annual NOIR CITY film festivals.
Alan founded TVP Enterprises in 2017. With his talented filmmaking partners, he exec-produced featurette packages for the Blu-ray releases of: T-Men, He Walked by Night, The Man Who Cheated Himself and Trapped. A U.S Navy veteran, Alan is the chairman & programmer of the historic Hollywood Legion Theater. You can purchase an autographed book at AlanKRode.com.
The Final Result
The goulash made for a hearty and delicious winter meal. It was tasty, filling and very spicy. My sinuses are as clear as a bell. I think would this would go well with the Jean Harlow Hot Rolls that I made last summer.
I highly recommend Alan's book and there are plenty of Michael Curtiz films available to watch on DVD.
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