Dining with Sherlock Holmes

Sherry Syllabub

Sherlock Holmes's character in the movie with Robert Downey Jr. is IMHO so outrageously inaccurate I could only tolerate the first 15 or 20 minutes. I wouldn't mind the comic book idea of Sherlock but portraying him as an unwashed, unshaven, and prone to street brawl is too much for me. He's an expert boxer and swordsman but does not engage in fisticuffs; does not mumble incoherently with an unrecognizable accent; and he is meticulous as a cat in his grooming habits, clearly indicated in The Hound of the Baskervilles when he secretly stayed in a hut where he made sure his chin is always smooth and his clothing and linen are as clean as if he were in his own home in Baker Street. I guess the movie is not for someone like me and is catered to 12-year old boys and Transformers fans. The only amazing thing I found out about this movie is the director, Guy Richie made a great success in turning normally good actors into talentless amateurs.

Anyway, I watched one of the old Sherlock Holmes movies [which are not perfect either} and again borrowed from the library THE COMPLETE SHERLOCK HOLMES. While browsing through the library's long list I came across the cookbook Dining with Sherlock Holmes by Julia Rosenblatt. Most of the recipes are simple and easy to prepare and I imagine Holmes and Watson having the dishes at home or in some inn.

Marrow Toast
4 two-inch center sections of marrowbone
4 slices bread, toasted
a pinch of salt
ground black pepper
lemon juice, to taste
chopped chives for garnish

• Push the marrow out of the bone and soak it in cold water for 20 minutes. Slice the marrow and place it on the slices of toast. Season with salt, ground pepper, and lemon juice. Put it under the broiler until the marrow has melted. Sprinkle with chives and serve hot. (I roasted the marrow and spread it on bread just like butter.)

marrow on toast

Sherry Syllabub
1 cup cold heavy cream
½ cup sherry
juice and zest of half a lemon
2 tablespoons sugar

• Whip the cream until stiff. Fold in the rest of the ingredients. Chill before serving.