"Cut the elephant into bite-sized pieces"

[Arabian American Oil Company]. Al Hasa-Cookbook.

Iowa Falls, Iowa, General Publishing and Binding, 1976.

4to. 4, (8), 438, (2) pp. Interleaved with half-titles throughout. Original printed wrappers. Spiral binding.

$838.00

Extraordinary cook book comprising the tried-and-true recipes of 340 Aramco expats living in the al-Hasa area, in Dhahran, Ras Tanura, and Abqaiq. Comprises appetizers, canapes, soups, sandwiches, casseroles, vegetable and meat dishes, seafood, crock pots, cakes, cookies and beverages reflecting the international background of the "Aramco family". Among the culinary highlights are dishes like "Shrimp and lobster supreme", "Texas Chili", "Beef Stroganoff", "Wiener Schnitzel", Polish "Pierogi", and even a joke recipe for "Elephant Stew", involving one medium size elephant and two rabbits: "Cut the elephant into bite-sized pieces. This should take about 2 months. Add the brown gravy and cook over a kerosene fire about 4 weeks at 465°. This will serve 3,800 people. If more are expected, 2 rabbits may be added. Do this only if necessary as most people do not like to fin[d] hare in their stew".

Description

4, (8), 5-40, (2), 41-56, (2), 57-90, (2), 91-120, (2), 121-146, (2), 147-230, (2), 231-302, (2), 303-332, (2), 333-410, (2), 411-438, (2) pp.

Condition

Several corners folded over to bookmark specific recipes. Very well preserved.