Candied Bacon: The Secret Recipe of Washington's Power Brokers

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "The Georgetown Set" by Greg Hurken - This book focuses on influential individuals like Evangeline Bruce and the social circles in Washington D.C. that shaped American foreign policy.

Articles & Papers

• Evangeline Bruce's 1995 obituary (New York Times) - Mentioned for its account of Evangeline Bruce's life, including her meeting David K.E. Bruce and her diplomatic career.
• Vanity Fair article about Evangeline Bruce (1995) - This article describes Evangeline Bruce's parties and specifically mentions the "famous Bruce bacon."

People Mentioned

• Ben Bradley - Legendary editor of The Washington Post, whose funeral afterparty was the initial inspiration for the story.
• Roxanne Roberts - Former writer for The Washington Post's "Reliable Source" column, whose article about Ben Bradley's afterparty sparked the host's interest in the bacon.
• Sally Quinn - Post writer and Ben Bradley's wife, known for throwing influential dinner parties in Washington D.C.
• Carol Joynt - Former colleague of the host at Washingtonian magazine and a social guide to Washington D.C., who first introduced the host to "candy bacon."
• Evangeline Bruce (Vangi) - Wife of diplomat David K.E. Bruce, known for her legendary candied bacon recipe and for hosting influential parties in Washington D.C.
• David K.E. Bruce - Prominent American diplomat and ambassador who served all over the world, including as director of the European theater of operations for the OSS.
• Greg Hurken - American historian and author of "The Georgetown Set," who provided historical context on the influential "Georgetown Set."
• Odette Pereira - Evangeline Bruce's cook for 35 years, who perfected and kept the secret of the candied bacon recipe.
• Nancy Reagan - Wife of President Ronald Reagan, who would often visit with Odette after meals at the Bruce's residence.
• Princess Margaret - Sister of the Queen, who reportedly ate and enjoyed the bacon at the Bruce's parties.
• Aaron Hutcherson - Food writer for The Washington Post, who assisted in the attempt to recreate the bacon recipe.
• Susan Mary Alsop - Mentioned for her comment about the Italian election in 1947, highlighting the informal power dynamics of the Georgetown set.
• Allen Dulles - Former director of the CIA, who was often invited to these influential parties.

Organizations & Institutions

• Washingtonian magazine - Where the host worked as a senior writer when he first encountered the story of the bacon.
• New York Social Diary - A website for which Carol Joynt wrote a regular column on Washington social events.
• Buckingham Palace - Mentioned as the alleged origin of the candied bacon recipe, where Evangeline Bruce might have first tasted it.
• OSS (Office of Strategic Services) - The precursor to the CIA, where Evangeline and David K.E. Bruce met and worked during World War II.
• Harry S. Truman Library and Museum - Credited as the source for tape of David K.E. Bruce.