Aspen Potpourri

The People, Places, and Food of Aspen.
Three generations of local Aspenites and their recipes, starting in the late 1960’s to present day.

Hot dogs by Earl Biss. Venison Stew by a ranching family. Smoothies by Suzy Chaffee, Hamburger Casserole by a local bachelor, Apricot Liqueur and Caviar Pie by noted celebrities and Gala hostess Barbie Benton.

An eclectic look into the lifestyles and tastes of those who have made Aspen their home. A section on local edibles and berries. A romp through the kitchens of the famous and infamous.“Aspen Potpourri” grew out of the “Around Aspen” column I write for The Aspen Times. I always felt that the most interesting thing about Aspen is its mix of people. Like my “Around Aspen ” column, “Aspen Potpourri” includes a potpourri of people…some old timers, some newcomers. some jet setters, some artists, some writers, some skiers, some celebrities, some musicians, some truck drivers, some chefs and some just good cooks. The people range from children to grandparents.
There are five editions of “Aspen Potpourri”...the first in 1968, another in 1971, another in 1975 and another in 1990, and the last in 2002. With each addition, I added people’s photographs (I did all the photos) and their recipes. I never took anyone out. So the book has become a part of Aspen history.
Our five children were a great part of the book. When they were little ones, we called it “cookbooking.”
I would telephone someone and say we were coming over to take their photo and get their recipe. The kids and I would ride over on our bicycles. The person we’d chosen would cook up their recipe…and we’d all have tea or dinner. The kids loved it!