Can we ever get over it? A massive vessel, beautiful and strong, the pinnacle of luxury, man’s achievement, hope, and optimism for the future. Gliding proudly through the sea. Then suddenly lying at the bottom of the ocean. Some things you can never make sense of.
The Titanic struck an iceberg in the Northern Atlantic Ocean just before midnight on April 14th, 1912. It was fully submerged by the early morning hours on April 15th. Considered one of the worst maritime disasters during peace time over 1,500 lives were lost. The sinking of the Titanic is still disturbing in the collective minds of mankind and many books, films, and researchers have examined the event. In 1997 one of the most popular films made on the tragedy is titled Titanic. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet the movie features a romantic plot based on historical fiction. Veronica Hinke’s new book, Titanic: The Official Cookbook, (2023) captures the period, culture, and cuisine depicted in this film.
Veronica previously documented details of that fateful night in her book, “The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style”, Hinke (2019). In complement to her previous work Veronica’s new book, Titanic: The Official Cookbook, enlightens us with updated recipes for a Titanic-themed dinner or party. Gorgeous images from the 1997 film decorate the pages as well as colorful depictions of the appetizers, main courses, desserts, and cocktails.
Diane Lapis, coauthor of Cocktails Across America, has high accolades for Veronica Hinke’s new book:
“Titanic: The Official Cookbook is a gorgeous book featuring recipes and vignettes from the Edwardian era, the Titanic steamship, and the 1997 namesake film. Veronica Hinke cleverly weaves food and drinks history from America and Europe from the turn of the century, while creating easy recipes for today’s modern cook and home bartender. Included are great ideas for a “Titanic” party including guidelines for entertaining in the Edwardian style. Fascinating read! Cheers to Veronica and all those historians that came before her to bring the story of the Titanic to life.”
Frank Caiafa, author of The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, chimes in on Titanic: The Official Cookbook:
“More fun than historical in nature, Veronica has written quite the homage to the film and its cultural impact, updating some of the original recipes from her first book for today’s tastes.
Perfect for Titanic-themed events, movie nights and just about anyone looking to expand their palate by revisiting flavors of the past.”
Veronica’s new book is beautiful to look at and wonderful to hold. It’s true! A physical book can offer a tactile experience that is different than a kindle or audio version. This book fits the bill. Veronica takes us on a journey to Edwardian times and guides us through the constructs of gracious manners that were a must for the passengers aboard the Titanic. The fanciful era can be recaptured today. Watch the film, read the book, or better yet prepare the recipes within this lovely tome.
Raise a glass in memory of the Titanic with a Rob Roy! The cocktail is said to have originated in the late 1800s at first class passenger John Jacob Astor IV’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Here is a Veronica’s chocolate mint version of the drink. Note* Chocolate mint is a type of mint I did not have on hand, but I improvised with the standard type still growing in my garden. Recipe: 2 oz. Blended Scotch Whisky, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 2 dashes of cocoa bitters, chocolate mint, chopped. Place all in mixing glass with ice, stir, double strain into a glass, garnish with cherry and mint leaves.
Really enjoyed this article and the postcards! It reminded me of when I was at the Titanic Museum in Belfast and was so enjoying the exhibits describing the historical background, the building of the ship and what was happening in Ireland at the time. And all of a sudden it dawned on me, that oh yeah, the ship is gonna sink! 😢
Wonderful piece! I just finished reading a book about the Lusitania, which sank three years later. Hard to imagine the horror of a huge vessel going down.