When my cousin Chris was a kid, my aunt gave her The Nancy Drew Cookbook. Several years later, it was handed down to me, because I loved, loved, loved Nancy Drew mysteries. Mysteries are something that have stuck with me over the years. Eventually, Nancy Drew turned into Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Remington Steele, Matlock, and Columbo. Today I read and watch anything that starts with the discovery of a body. I love solving the puzzle. Nancy Drew introduced me to mysteries and I’ll always love her character for that.
When I got the cookbook, I had just written a letter to Carolyn Keene, the fictitious author of the Nancy Drew books, who I believed was absolutely real, to tell her how much I loved the mysteries. So when I got the cookbook that involved my favorite detective and my favorite hobby, I was intoxicated with excitement.
The recipes in The Nancy Drew Cookbook are all connected to the different books and characters. There’s Hollow Oak Nest Eggs, Ski Jump Hot Chocolate, Moss-Covered Mansion Fruit Gelatin, and my personal favorite, the rather pervy sounding Wooden Lady Walnut Tidbits. What I love about all of the recipes in the book is that you have no idea what it is from the recipe name. They are all mysteries!
Some of the recipes I think might still be mysteries after they were cooked and on the dinner plate. The Drews’ Onion Special consists of whole onions with the center pulled out and then baked with a boullion cube and butter in the center. And then there’s the Keene Soup – stir milk and peanut butter together, sprinkle with celery salt, heat and serve with whipped cream.
Nancy gives tips, too, at the end of every recipe. Under the recipe for Chief McGinnis’s Waffles, there is Nancy’s Nutrition Secret. “Make a sauce for these waffles by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 cup honey and 2/3 cup butter. Warm before pouring over the waffles.” I’m unclear on what the nutrition value of this sauce is, but it is delicious. I used to make it all the time to pour over my mom’s pancakes. Of course, anything with 2/3 cup melted butter is going to be awesome. No doubt.
One of my favorite tips is under the Twisted Candles Peach Crisp. The tip is Detective Dynamite. “For an extra delicious taste, add a scoop of ice cream to each serving. This recipe can even be used as a birthday cake. Insert a tiny candle into each portion and light before serving.”
Nancy’s Father’s Day menu includes Attorney Shrimp Sauce, because, of course, her father is an attorney. Ketchup, mayonnaise, onion, garlic and Tobasco.
I decided to make Accountant Shrimp Sauce in honor of my dad, since he is an accountant and in the throes of tax season right now. I changed it up a little from Nancy’s recipe. But I think he’ll like it.
Accountant Shrimp Sauce aka Creamy Lemon and Dill Sauce
1 Tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Zest and juice of one lemon
1 cup sour cream
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and serve with roasted shrimp.
Words, recipe and photos © Elizabeth Fuss.
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The Accountant Shrimp Sauce sounds more up my alley. I’m kind of afraid of the Keene Soup… But I’m willing to try most anything. Before the whipped cream I thought it might be a kind of peanut sauce…
I needed to laugh hysterically this morning and the Keene Soup did it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.