August 16th is the anniversary of Elvis Aaron Presley’s death 35 years ago and thousands of fans have been in Memphis, Tennessee this week to visit his Graceland home and attend events which pay tribute to the King. Elvis was the undisputed “King of Rock and Roll” and his legacy is now part of the culture of many who never knew him. Born January 8, 1935 in a small house in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis captured the hearts and souls of millions worldwide through his music and personality.
Elvis had many favorite foods among the basic Southern dishes he grew up with. Here are a couple of recipes which were prepared at Graceland. On occasion family and friends would have a meal in the dining room, but it was the counter in the corner of the kitchen which Jerry Shilling said was the social hub of the house. That’s the spot where Elvis and company would gather after a late movie or skating at the end of the day to recount the events and have a snack prepared by Graceland’s night shift house keeper, Miss Pauline. Sitting around on kitchen stools, Elvis with his feet on the counter, just talking and laughing – can you imagine?
I never met Elvis but had been invited to a concert by the Memphis Mafia which was scheduled to take place a month or so after his untimely death. I remember where I was when I heard that Elvis was dead, do you? Shaun Nielsen was nominated for a Grammy with Elvis; Norbert Putnam played bass on the recording sessions with Elvis; Bill Eubanks was a young interior designer who was hired by Elvis; Pat Kerr Tigrett was a friend who met he and Priscilla for pizza at their favorite parlor; they are all friends of mine and they all loved the Elvis they knew well. I have met Priscilla and been to a couple of parties with her. She is gracious, quiet, tiny, and a big supporter of Memphis and the University of Memphis basketball program. Though she now lives in LA, she frequents Memphis. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 32 years since the international spotlight was focused on the funeral which laid to rest the King. Viva Elvis!
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 slices light bread, 1 banana (mashed), 2 tablespoons margarine(melted) Mix soft peanut butter and mashed banana together. Toast bread lightly. Spread peanut butter and mashed banana on toast. Place into melted margarine; brown on both sides.
Ham Bone Dumplings
1 large ham bone or leftover ham, 2 quarts water, salt and pepper,Dumplings 2-1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup Crisco shortening ,1 cup cold water
Simmer ham bone in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.Combine dumpling ingredients to make dough. Add more flour if needed to make dough easy to handle. Place dough on floured board and roll very thin. Cut dough into small pieces and drop into pot with ham. Cook about 20 - 25 minutes more.
By order of Elvis himself, the following items were stocked in the Graceland pantry at all times:
fresh, unfrozen, lean ground meat; one case regular Pepsi; one case orange drinks; hot rolls (Brown ‘n’ Serve);cans of biscuits (at least six); hamburger buns; pickles; potatoes and onions; assorted fresh fruits; sauerkraut;hot dogs; milk and half cream (at least three bottles); thin lean bacon; fresh, cold, hand-squeezed orange juice;banana pudding; meat loaf and sauce; brownies; ice cream (vanilla and chocolate); shredded coconut; fudge cookies;gum, cigars, and cigarettes; Dristan, Super Anahist, Contac, and Sucrets
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| LeRoy Neiman's ELVIS which we unveiled at THE PEABODY HOTEL at a Master Series dinner I chaired for Master Chef Jose Gutierrez. LeRoy Neiman was an American icon and a dear friend. It was really special to welcome him to Memphis for this historic evening. |
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