The worst recipe ever.

This is the worst recipe ever. Don't believe me, go try it. I know enough not to make this dish. What makes it the worst dish ever--maybe it's the tinned pears, or the French dressing to moisten. I'm not sure, and I will pass on finding out. I have thought about making it and secretly bringing it to a potluck BBQ, and watching peoples reactions to it. This recipe was posted in the Guardian, in an article written about British food writer Elizabeth David, with a warning above it. Do not try this at home.

Italian salad

1 pint cold cooked macaroni

½ pint cooked or tinned pears

½ pint grated raw carrot

French dressing to moisten

2 heaped tablespoons minced onion

½ pint cooked or minced string beans

Mix the chopped macaroni and vegetables; moisten with French dressing, flavouring with garlic if liked. Serve on a dish lined with lettuce leaves. Decorate with mayonnaise and minced pimento or chives.

Yup, I do not believe I have ever seen anything worse. The article is about this one particular cookbook in Davis's cook book collection. Ulster Fare, from 1945 had the following note wedged inside:

"Italian salad p50. Sounds just about the most revolting dish ever devised."

Yes, yes it is. I do wonder why they went with Italian salad. If anyone out there does decide to try this salad, please post and let me know how it is.

Here is the link to the Guardian article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/01/elizabeth-david-food-cookbook