r/JoanCrawford

Joan Crawford's Pimiento-Stuffed Olives Wrapped in Bacon - These were quite easy to make. I was cooking bacon this morning and just happened to remember this recipe, so I reserved 3 slices from the frying pan to make and try these. (Oops, I forgot to cook my bacon in butter like Joan!)

I just removed 3 slices of bacon from the pan when they were about 1/2 cooked and drained them on a paper towel. From there, you cut each piece of bacon in 1/2, use toothpicks to secure them around a nice big pimiento stuffed olive and bake at 350. I think it only took about 6 minutes for them to crisp up.

They are delicious! If you like olives and you like bacon, you'll love these! They provide the perfect salty treat that any cocktail party needs. Make sure to get the bacon crisp and there will be a nice contrast in textures.

I think Joan would be proud, although she'd not be happy with my burnt toothpicks. Any way to prevent tooth picks from burning? Soak them in water first?

This is #1 from the recipe above. In case you missed #2, you can see it here: Hot PEANUT BUTTER BACON CANAPÉS.

Cheers!

Do we know if she’ll arrive on digital?

Throwing a kitchy themed 4th of July cookout is a fun idea, and featuring Clark Gable's Stuffed Burgers and Joan Crawford's Potato Salad will bring the perfect retro flair our low-key day spent with a few of friends.

Now what to serve with this dynamic picnic duo? LMK your thoughts.

Joan Crawford's Grapefruit Salad - I transcribed this recipe from the original old newspaper clipping from 1936 because it was hard to read. As easy as it is to follow this simple recipe, there is some leeway in the cheese department and in the dressing department. I used 3 cheeses that I already had on hand.

The first cheese I chose was Roquefort ( I had it left from Joan's Deux Fruit Salad). It was a very bold combo with the grapefruit, but not bad!

Next I went with American cheese, because Joan was also known to use that. It was ok, and really didn't go together that well with the tart citrus flavor.

Lastly I switched the cheese out for cottage cheese, which is not grated, but makes the most sense if you're going for a "diet-friendly" salad. It was actually pretty good and was creamy enough to pair with the grapefruit well. This is the one I ate for lunch, even though I did have a bite of each of the others too..

Now for the dressing. I just used oil & vinegar. I think a lemon-juice dressing would make this way too tart. Mayo of course is a good option, but maybe not with the cottage cheese. (Salt & pepper were also added.)

Now what do you think? What would be your cheese and dressing of choice for this simple grapefruit salad?

Joan Crawford's Peas - You have to give it to Joan, as unusual as this recipe sounds, it worked and the peas were good!

I started with a medium sized pan with a tight-fitting lid and placed half a head of romaine lettuce at the bottom. (A small head of lettuce). I had a package of fresh peas from the produce department, so I added those on top of the lettuce. A few sliced green onions went in there as well. NO WATER.

A pinch of salt and sugar each. A teaspoon of each seemed too much for the quantity of peas that I had.

This was cooked for exactly 25 minutes, and then I put the peas and onions into a serving bowl, added a pat of butter or two and a splash of heavy cream.

I'm the only one in my family that really likes peas, although I do add them to my pesto pasta recipe and they're appreciated in that dish.

I really liked Joan's Peas! They were still firm and fresh and after sitting for a little bit, they became better. I also later added a few of these peas to a Chicken a la King recipe I made and it was good!

After cooking, the lettuce was all wilted, so I just threw it in the compost bin. What else could I do with it? The green onion were good with the peas and cooked well.

Overall, this pea cooking technique worked and produced some tasty peas that was served with the roasted "Chicken à la Minnelli" and Myrna Loy's Twice Baked Potatoes I made for dinner.

Joan Crawford stayed home from the 18th Academy Awards ceremony in 1946, stating a bad case of flu. Warner Bros. sent a studio doctor to verify the claim; he confirmed she had a 40°C fever.

Many Hollywood insiders and columnists suspected she was feigning or at least exaggerating her condition due to fears of losing Best Actress to Ingrid Bergman and the humiliation that would come with it.

When Joan found out she’d actually won the award, her health appeared to miraculously and instantly recover. After a rapid hair and makeup job, she invited journalists into her bedroom to photograph her with the trophy.

You see, making Joanie's Danti-Chips isn't just about cooking. It is about confidence, presentation, and knowing how to command a room. Bette Davis could never understand the meticulous care it takes to layer American cheese and deviled ham into a true crowd-pleaser.

Let us revisit the flawless script for this infamous appetizer:

• The Base: Crisp, beautiful chips or toasted bread rounds that stand up under pressure.
• The Costars: A sharp wedge of American Cheese topped with a perfectly sliced sweet pickle.
• The Leading Role: A generous, proud dollop of deviled ham right on top.
• The Big Finish: Toast in the oven until everything is warm, melted, and harmonious.

This is so simple to put together! And when you think of it, this is basically a little ham and cheese bite with a hint of pickle...NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! (I made my own deviled ham for this recipe).

I preferred this hors d'oeuvre with the toasted buttered bread rounds (I used thin sourdough). After a taste test with my husband, he actually liked both, but thought the chip version was much better for a party. ( He was calling them "Smokers' Delights!") Just think about a smoke filled living room in Joan's home and people noshing on these salt-fueled snacks, and you'll get the reference.

Next time I'd use a thinner slice of cheese, for better melting. Also the potato chips burn quickly, so proceed with caution!

When done correctly, it is absolute magic. A performance worthy of an Academy Award! Now let's pour ourselves a freezing-cold Pepsi to celebrate!