From Horror Icon to Gourmet Chef: Vincent Price’s ‘Cooking Price-Wise’
Although Vincent Price was a well-known horror icon, he had a lesser-known talent for cooking. The actor, who is best known for his roles in films like “House of Wax” and “The Abominable Dr. Phibes,” had a passion for gourmet cuisine. Price published three cookbooks with his second wife, Mary Price: “A Treasury of Great Recipes” in 1965; “Mary and Vincent Price present a National Treasury of Cookery” in 1967; and “Mary and Vincent Price’s Come into the Kitchen Cook Book: A Collector’s Treasury of America’s Great Recipes” in 1969.
Vincent Price’s Background in Cooking
Vincent Price’s love for cooking was not a new development. Before hosting his cooking show, “Cooking Price-Wise,” he had already gained recognition in the culinary world with his cookbooks. In fact, his books showcased his extensive knowledge of international cuisine and included recipes that were both exotic and accessible.
Reasons Behind Hosting ‘Cooking Price-Wise’
The producers of “Cooking Price-Wise” asked Vincent Price to host the show because of his unique background in food and history. Price stated in a quote from the foreword of the show’s tie-in book, “People always seem afraid of food from other countries – they’ll eat spaghetti, for instance, if it comes out of a tin, chopped up short and smothered in tomato sauce, but the real thing, no matter how available it is, is quite beyond them.… So, I was glad to accept the challenge when the producers of the series asked me to do the shows.”
Challenges and Innovations
One of the challenges the producers faced was finding ingredients that were readily available in local markets. Price’s solution was to focus on recipes that used ingredients that were easily accessible, even in the UK. For example, Price showcased British ingredients such as beanshoots and soy sauce in his show.
- Price’s show was unique in that it focused on cuisine from different countries, including Italy, Greece, Morocco, and the Gulf Coast.
- The show featured historical trivia and artwork, showcasing Price’s extensive knowledge of art history.
- Price presented himself as a sophisticated gourmet, sharing his love of international cuisine with his audience.
Vincent Price’s Unique Approach to Cooking
Vincent Price’s approach to cooking was unlike anything seen on television at the time. He presented himself as a sophisticated gourmet, sharing his knowledge of international cuisine and cooking techniques. The show featured a unique blend of history, art, and food, making it a standout in the culinary world.
| Country | Ingredient | Description |
| Italy | Beanshoots | Price showcased British ingredients like beanshoots in his show. |
| Greece | Soy sauce | Price featured soy sauce in his show, highlighting its availability in Oban, Scotland. |
Conclusion
Although “Cooking Price-Wise” is currently unavailable for streaming, buying, and renting in the U.S., it remains a fascinating glimpse into the culinary world of Vincent Price. His unique approach to cooking, which combined history, art, and food, made the show a standout in its time. As a culinary enthusiast, Vincent Price left a lasting legacy in the world of gourmet cuisine. His passion for cooking and sharing his knowledge with others continues to inspire new generations of chefs and foodies.
“I must warn you, though, that some of the recipes come from a rather far-away place called Britain! Now, the people of this country have rather strange eating habits. Instead of washing their hands very thoroughly and eating with their clean fingers, they use what they call “Knives and Forks” – which they get from a drawer where they’ve been lying collecting dust for up to several days since being washed – these implements are not washed again before they’re used! However, I assure the squeamish among you that I have only chosen the cleanest recipes from this unfortunate land…”
Vincent Price’s “Cooking Price-Wise” was a groundbreaking show that showcased his unique approach to cooking. His passion for gourmet cuisine and his extensive knowledge of international cuisine made the show a standout in the culinary world. As a culinary enthusiast, Vincent Price left a lasting legacy in the world of gourmet cuisine, inspiring new generations of chefs and foodies.
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