Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess: The Lost Recipes of Private Igor
Jeff Maxwell
America's love affair with the television show M*A*S*H has continued since the first episode in 1972. Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess: The Lost Recipes of Private Igor is a memory book and cookbook for the millions of fans who continue to love the colorful characters of the 4077th. The creation of Jeff Maxwell, who for nine years played the role of Private Igor, the show's beleaguered cook, it combines rare and never-before-seen cast photographs, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and a multitude of fondly remembered moments that will bring laughter to M*A*S*H fans of all age.
This new chapter of the M*A*S*H legacy will stir up a zesty blend of delicious recipes guaranteed to satisfy discriminating chow lines in anyone's mess tent. Troops everywhere will wolf down the hearty breakfasts, quick-and-easy lunches, and belly-filling dinners, including such eminently edible delicacies as Potter's Puey Pork Chops, the ever-popular Spam Lamb, Hemlet Hash, Stuffed Seoul, Gasmask Mustard Chicken, and many more. With warmth, humor, and culinary savvy, this book reveals Igor's talents as a cook and a writer.
"If you think war is hell, just try the food in the mess tent! For 11 years, fans of the television program M*A*S*H experienced the Korean War through the eyes of the doctors, nurses, and support personnel of the 4077th Mobil Army Surgical Hospital. One of the most important, though least appreciated, members of that brave band was Private Igor, the company cook. Almost every episode of M*A*S*H contained some reference to food—and it was never good. 'Our food here leaves a lot to be desired,' Commanding Officer Colonel Henry Blake states in one show. 'Oh, it fills you up if you can keep it down.' Regarding the breakfast entrée, Hawkeye Pierce exclaims, 'I'm sure that was the same bacon that wrote Shakespeare's plays!'
"So why, if Private Igor's food was so bad, should any cook in his or her right mind be interested in a collection of his long-lost recipes? According to Jeff Maxwell, author of Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess and the actor who portrayed Igor for more than a decade, inside that poor, much-maligned purveyor of army swill was a gourmet chef struggling to get out. Imagine, if you will, what Private Igor might have been capable of if he'd had ingredients such as cilantro, turkey sausage, Kahlua, or fusilli pasta? A quick glance at the recipes such as Helmet Hash, Pre-Op Novocaine Shake, and Winchester's Wilted Lettuce Caesar Salad will give you some idea. And while you're whipping up a Company Clerk Quiche, you can amuse yourself by perusing the many photographs, quotes, and letters home from Private Igor that are scattered through the pages of Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess." —Amazon.com
$19.95, Paperback
ISBN-10: 1-88895-241-5 (Paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-1-88895-241-4 (Paperback)
Paperback Currently Available
