Spies, Black Ties and Mango Pies: Stories & Recipes from CIA Families All Over the World, published in 1997. Just spent several hours reading this fascinating book. The stories from former and possibly current agents and their spouses about culinary mishaps, triumphs, and memorable dining experiences while posted overseas are riveting. There are darker themes explored at the end of a few chapters that expose the somber side of the agency. Julia Child, who worked for the OSS (the predecessor to the CIA) during the 1940's, shares tidbits of her time in service and offers a few tips to newcomers on what to bring to new postings overseas. The agent narratives span the period from the late 1940's through the late 1980's.
Before each recipe(s) are the aforementioned tales from agents who are never identified per agency policy. The recipes run the usual : appetizers, desserts, soups, vegetables and entrees, both American or local to each country or region. Each chapter focuses on various posting areas around the globe ~ Africa, Asia and the South Pacific, Central & South America, Europe, The Mid-East and a few from the United States - a couple which explain how the agents explain their "real" job to their children.
The former owner bookmarked a few recipes, Scamp Flambe, Chicken Curry Casserole and Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon Sauce.
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