Odette Pereira, a talented cook known for her secret candied bacon recipe, joins to unveil the tantalizing connections between food and politics in D.C. She shares stories of lavish dinner parties where bacon became the unexpected centerpiece, bridging divides among powerful guests. Join the quest to decode this elusive recipe, revealing nostalgia and culinary intrigue. Plus, discover how dinner gatherings influenced crucial policy decisions, reminding us of the potential for diplomacy in today’s polarized climate.
The podcast illustrates how Evangeline Bruce's gatherings united influential figures across party lines, fostering collaboration in U.S. foreign policy.
Shane Harris's decade-long quest for the legendary candied bacon recipe highlights the intricate blend of culinary art and personal history.
Deep dives
Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts
Instagram has introduced new teen accounts aimed at enhancing safety for younger users as they navigate the platform. These accounts come equipped with automatic protections, limiting who can contact teens and controlling the type of content they can see. This initiative parallels the idea of equipping youth with protective gear, ensuring they are more secure while engaging online. The platform aims to create a safer environment for teens, reflecting a growing awareness of online risks.
The Culinary Mystery of Candied Bacon
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the quest for a legendary recipe for candied bacon, specifically associated with Evangeline Bruce, a prominent social figure in Washington D.C. The story unfolds through the personal journey of a journalist who first sampled this unforgettable delicacy at a party decades ago, leading to an enduring fascination. The episode not only highlights the bacon's unique qualities but also offers insight into the influential social circles that cherished it. The quest became a ten-year pursuit of both flavor and the history surrounding this elusive recipe.
The Historical Context of Evangeline Bruce's Bacon
The narrative delves into the life of Evangeline Bruce and her role in a network of powerful individuals who influenced U.S. foreign policy in the mid-20th century. Bruce's parties served as a social nexus where lawmakers, journalists, and diplomats would gather to discuss pressing issues, often over the famous candied bacon. Historical figures from various political backgrounds mingled, exemplifying bipartisan cooperation that is increasingly rare today. This backdrop emphasizes how social gatherings shaped political discourse and decision-making during an influential era in American history.
The Quest for the Perfect Bacon Recipe
Throughout the journey to recreate the famous candied bacon, the main character encounters several obstacles, including the secrecy maintained by Odette Pereira, Bruce's former cook. Despite efforts to extract the full recipe, it becomes clear that the process is more art than science, requiring specific techniques and intuition. A hands-on cooking session reveals the detailed method of layering sugar with bacon, demonstrating a unique approach that sets it apart from other recipes. This collaborative effort between the journalist and Odette showcases the culinary legacy and personal histories intertwined with the seemingly simple dish.
Shane Harris first tasted “Vangie’s bacon” 10 years ago, and he hasn’t stopped thinking about it since. But learning her secret recipe turns out to be harder than Shane’s day job covering national security for The Washington Post. Today on the show, Shane goes on a quest to unlock the bacon mystery – and a time in Washington when Republicans, Democrats, spies, diplomats and journalists used to set their differences aside and gather around a dinner table.
Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Renita Jablonski. Special thanks to Ariel Plotnick and Ariella Markowitz. Tape of David K.E. Bruce courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.