Hash fudge and a fish for Picasso: inside the legendary cookbook of Alice B. Toklas
In the annals of culinary history, few books have achieved the legendary status of “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook.” Published in 1954, this culinary masterpiece remains a testament to the eccentricities and eclectic tastes of its author, Alice B. Toklas, as well as her companion, the renowned artist Gertrude Stein. However, nestled within its pages lies not only a treasure trove of recipes but also a glimpse into the vibrant cultural milieu of Paris in the early 20th century.
At its core, “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook” is a celebration of gastronomy intertwined with the artistic and literary movements of the time. Toklas, known for her avant-garde sensibilities, infused the cookbook with her unique voice, offering readers a blend of traditional French cuisine and avant-garde experimentation.
One of the most infamous recipes from the cookbook is undoubtedly “Hashish Fudge,” a concoction that sparked controversy and captivated imaginations. Inspired by the bohemian lifestyle of Parisian artists and writers, Toklas’s recipe included ingredients such as dried fruit, nuts, spices, and—most notably—hashish. While some scholars debate whether the inclusion of hashish was intentional or accidental, its presence added an aura of intrigue to the cookbook, solidifying its status as a countercultural icon.
Yet, amidst the scandalous allure of “Hashish Fudge,” the cookbook also offers a window into more conventional culinary delights. Toklas’s recipes showcase her reverence for French cuisine, with dishes ranging from classic coq au vin to delicate soufflés. Each recipe is imbued with Toklas’s personal touch, reflecting her appreciation for fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation.
One particularly charming anecdote recounted in the cookbook involves a whimsical encounter with the esteemed artist Pablo Picasso. Toklas describes preparing a simple dish of fish for Picasso, who had requested a meal during one of his visits to the Stein-Toklas salon. In her typically candid style, Toklas recounts the exchange with humor and warmth, offering readers a glimpse into the intimate social circles of Paris’s artistic elite.
The recipe itself is straightforward yet elegant, reflecting Toklas’s culinary prowess and her ability to transform humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. With a deft hand, she seasons the fish with fragrant herbs and citrus, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s a testament to Toklas’s philosophy of simplicity and respect for quality ingredients—a philosophy that permeates the entire cookbook.
Beyond its culinary offerings, “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook” serves as a cultural artifact, capturing the zeitgeist of a bygone era. Through Toklas’s vivid anecdotes and reminiscences, readers are transported to the vibrant world of 1920s Paris, where artists, writers, and intellectuals converged in a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. The cookbook becomes more than just a collection of recipes; it becomes a portal to another time and place, where culinary experimentation mirrored the radical shifts occurring in art, literature, and society.
In addition to its culinary and cultural significance, “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook” also holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history. Toklas’s relationship with Gertrude Stein, her life partner and muse, is woven throughout the pages of the cookbook, serving as a testament to their enduring bond and shared creative spirit. In an era when same-sex relationships were often marginalized or concealed, Toklas’s unabashed portrayal of her life with Stein was revolutionary, paving the way for greater visibility and acceptance.
As the decades have passed, “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook” has retained its allure, captivating new generations of readers with its blend of gastronomic delights, literary charm, and bohemian flair. It remains a beloved classic, cherished by food enthusiasts, historians, and aficionados of art and literature alike. Through its pages, the spirit of Alice B. Toklas lives on, forever entwined with the culinary legacy she left behind.