#27. The Story of the Recipe Book Lucie Porges Made for Pauline Trigère

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During the interview with Lucie Porges' daughters: Claudia and Vivette, I discovered the story of a special recipe book that Lucie had made for Pauline. After collaborating with Pauline for 15 years, finding new gift ideas had become difficult. One day, Lucie spotted a beautiful cork-covered blank notebook in a bookstore. Aware of Pauline's love for cooking, she had an idea to collect recipes from Pauline's friends.

It took more than a few years and the final outcome was truly unique. It even landed an article published in the New York Times on December 23, 1972 by journalist Virginia Lee Warren. In the article, Virginia recounted how Lucie dedicated five years to assembling this personalized gift by sending the blank notebook to Pauline’s friends, each in turn contributed a unique recipe. What made this cook book so special wasn't just its cork-cover, but the personalzed recette it contained from Pauline's inner circle. Each recipe offering a glimpse into the personalities of Pauline's friends. Notable contributors included renowned restaurateur Charles Masson from Pauline's favorite restaurant Le Grenouille, illustrator Joe Eula, as well as various writers and artists. The recipes ranged from a simple “Le Clafoutis aux Cerises” to the whimsical “Orange Juice,” which was disguised as an invitation to visit.

Sadly, the recipe book is missing today.  It is believed one of Pauline's friend might still have it after it being circulated around. However, the idea of gathering recipes continued, which Lucie collected to compile another version from her close friends. This second book features various recipes from Pauline herself: her famous "Spaghetti Pauline" & "Rice Pauline" along with illustrations of garlic, mushrooms, and steamed pots, as depicted in the photos in this blog. These recipes are more than a collection of ingredients – they tell a story of the close friendship between these two women.

I hope one day I will find the original book that Lucie made for Pauline.  The research continues. In the meantime, please subscribe to this blog so you can keep updated on the Pauline Trigère biography release date!