Bacon: The best-kept secret in Washington

This podcast recounts a decade-long investigation into a unique candied bacon recipe popularized by Evangeline Bruce in Washington D.C.'s social circles. The recipe, a closely guarded secret, was ultimately revealed by Odette Pereira, the Bruce family's long-time cook, who was persuaded to share the process, shedding light on a bygone era of bipartisan social gatherings and influence in Washington.

Bacon's Origins

• 00:01:30 The podcast delves into the mystery of a top-secret candied bacon recipe, nicknamed 'Bruce's Bacon', that was served at parties hosted by Evangeline and David K. Bruce. The bacon's unique flavor and texture made it a sought-after treat among Washington D.C.'s elite, and it became a marker of social standing. This recipe's origins are unknown, but it's suspected that Evangeline may have encountered it while living in England.

Evangeline & David K. Bruce

• 00:22:21 Evangeline Bruce, daughter of an American diplomat, traveled the world and later married David K. Bruce, a high-ranking official in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. During World War II, Evangelin worked as David's assistant, forging passports and creating cover stories for spies, making her a key part of this clandestine operation. The couple later moved into diplomatic circles, with David serving as ambassador to several countries, and Evangelin serving as a key social figure in diplomatic efforts.

Georgetown Set

• 00:08:37 The Georgetown set, a group of powerful individuals including journalists, publishers, spies, and diplomats, held regular gatherings, including Sunday night suppers, where they discussed and influenced American foreign policy. These events were crucial for building consensus and fostering relationships across political divides, significantly impacting decisions like the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine. This era of bipartisan collaboration, where political ideologies were set aside in the interest of national goals, is contrasted with the current state of political discourse.

Washington's Social Scene

• 00:26:46 Washington's social scene in the mid-20th century revolved around dinner parties and cocktail gatherings, which served as critical informal platforms for networking and exchanging information. These events facilitated cross-political interactions and consensus-building, often shaping national decisions. The decline of these events is viewed as a potential loss of a vital function for fostering understanding and collaboration in a politically polarized era.

Odette Pereira's Recipe

• 00:35:21 Odette Pereira, who worked for the Bruces for 35 years, revealed the bacon recipe after initially refusing to share it. The process involves layering bacon with brown sugar, cooking at a low temperature until caramelized, and repeatedly flipping the bacon to achieve a specific color and texture. The recipe is a testament to Odette's culinary skill and highlights the importance of experience and intuition in mastering this unique technique.