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Katherine Blake’s fast-paced and quick-witted novel, The Unforgettable Loretta Darling, brings us a first-row seat to the very glamorous, very cutthroat 1950s Hollywood.

When a young newlywed’s new husband turns out to be a bit of a jerk, she finds herself navigating a fresh life in Hollywood. Determined to take her place as one of movie makeup’s best, a bit of grit and gumption puts her in the right place at the right time, rebranded as the one and only Loretta Darling. There’s scandal, of course, and a few names you may recognize from La La Land’s storied past. Truly, though, Loretta steals every scene.

With a bit of support from an ambitious prostitute and an in-the-wings screenwriting ally, Loretta overcomes a near-tragic encounter with an egomaniacal actor and the jealousies of other women in her field. The parties, premieres, and behind-the-scenes drama carry an incredibly entertaining cast of characters across these pages. This novel is so fun — and one you won’t want to put down until the final close of the clapboard.

The Unforgettable Loretta Darling

by Katherine Blake

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The Ultimate Beef Meatloaf With Caramelized Onions And Horseradish

From: Big Bites: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun by Kat Ashmore

Among the pages of such an effervescent novel, amid all the glamour and glitz and perfect lighting and perfected angles, food plays a crucial role in its ability to ground and center. What meal is more grounding than something as classic as meatloaf? It has two important cameos, actually, in The Unforgettable Loretta Darling: In the first, a rising starlet presents home-cooked favorites to Loretta, as a show of gratitude for Loretta’s great work. It later makes another appearance, as much-needed sustenance for two of the book’s stars as they share a quite sweet, quite vulnerable moment. This version comes to us from Big Bites by Kat Ashmore and convinced us to switch up our own mother’s recipe. (Shh, don’t tell!)

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INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced (about 2-1/2 cups)
1 celery stalk, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt
1/2 cup Fresh Bread Crumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
3 tbsp good-quality ketchup

STEPS

Fill a baking dish with water and place on the lower third rack of the oven. This is going to help keep the meatloaf moist and prevent cracking.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Cook the onion, stirring, for 20 minutes until caramelized. Add in the celery, garlic, and 1/4 tsp of salt and cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables are translucent. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature while you proceed.
In a large bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, eggs, horseradish, Worcestershire, 1-1/2 tsp of salt, the pepper, and 1 tbsp of water. Fold in the cooled vegetables. Add the beef and mix gently to combine. Shape the meatloaf into a 7-by-4-inch log and place on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush all over with the ketchup.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the internal temperature is 160°F and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Let the meatloaf rest, tented with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing it and serving hot. Leftovers make a delicious sandwich with some mayo on toasted sourdough bread.

From the book BIG BITES: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun by Kat Ashmore. Copyright © 2024 by Kat Ashmore. Photo copyright © 2024 by Christine Han photography. Published by Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

Big Bites: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun

by Kat Ashmore

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The Unforgettable Loretta Darling brings up so many rich themes, touching on ambition, relationships, consent and abuse in Hollywood decades before #metoo, and family. Where do we even begin to unpack it all? Let’s start with these discussion questions, don’t you think?

Get the questions.

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We asked author Katherine Blake to put together a 1950s Hollywood primer for us. Here’s what she shared.

Check out the primer.

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If The Unforgettable Loretta Darling has left you curious to peek in between and behind Hollywood’s most storied sets, have we got the book for you. Hollywood: The Oral History is a doorstopper of a read, pulling together the juiciest bits from nearly 3,000 interviews. Straight from the mouths of the stars, writers, directors, and yes, the makeup artists, this collection feels like having a bestie in the industry — and one who isn’t afraid to spill the tea.

Get the book.

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Blazon Pinot Noir	Francis Ford Coppola Sauvignon Blanc
For the trail that Loretta blazed straight to Hollywood, we’re recommending this Blazon Pinot Noir. It’s complexity — brought forward with juicy fruits and warm spice — is oh so pleasant, if not entirely straightforward. It will also pair beautifully with this week’s recipe.	Our white pick is inspired by a more contemporary Hollywood great. This Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Appellation Series Sauvignon Blanc is fruit forward but sacrifices none of the punch. A glass of this wine needs no pairing, no support: It’s absolutely fantastic, a star all on its own.

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