June 10

Frances Ethel Gumm's Birthday
 

Judy  Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

When William Shakespeare's wrote "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," he could not foretell that MGM boss Louis B Mayer would so strongly disagree with him when he signed Frances Ethyl Gumm to a long-term contract and immediately was changed her name  to Judy Garland, after a popular 30s song "Judy".. Louis was right. No one named Frances Ethel Gumm could have ever reached a fraction of adoration and fame as Judy - regardless of her talents.

Little Frances began show business when she was only two years old as one third of an of a dance act called "The Gumm Sisters," along with her older sisters Mary Jane and Virginia. Her childhood was troubled due in part to her mother as the archetypical stage mother consistently pushing her children to fulfill her own fantasies and her father's closeted homosexuality. Her father also often had difficulties finding work and there were times that they had to live in their car.

Ironically it was Mayer who was responsible for her mental and physical health challenges later in life when, after being concerned that she was too chunky, put her on amphetamines. and often starved her by providing little or no food during filming. Judy's eventual addiction to barbiturates earned her the nickname of "Amphetamine Annie"..

Judy's MGM-induced drug habits played havoc with her later film career. There were several films that she was originally scheduled to star in but from which was subsequently fired for the consequence of her erratic behavior including Annie Get Your Gun, Royal Wedding, The Barkley's of Broadway, and Valley of the Dolls. However, she later went on to be a major concert, recording, and television star. Judy also became one of the first gay icons. and a "friend of Dorothy" is slang for a gay man. The phrase dates back to at least World War II, when homosexual acts were illegal in the United States.  A subtext of that reference was the belief that there was a better life Somewhere Over the Rainbow.. However, with several suicide attempts, and the cause of her death in a locked bathroom caused by an "accidental" does of barbiturates, her role as a gay icon could have a unfortunate subtext .

Although we recommend the biopic Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (2001) with Judy Davis's perfect portrayal of the troubled star, to celebrate Judy's birthday, it seems more appropriate to watch The Wizard of OZ (1939) for the umpteenth time to remind ourselves of her exceptional talent and vulnerability that were the hallmarks of her troubled life, and make a batch of Rainbow Cookies to remind ourselves that sometimes "the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true," but, as with Judy's life, not always.

Rainbow Cookies

 

Ingredients
12 large eggs, separated
2&2/3 cups sugar
24 oz almond paste
8 sticks butter, softened
5&2/3 cups all-purpose flour
 
 2 tsp salt
2 tsp red food coloring
2 tsp green food coloring
16 oz orange preserves, heated and strained
8 oz.bittersweet chocolate, chopped

 
Instructions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Beat egg whites in electric mixer until they just hold stiff peaks. Add ½ cup sugar, beating until whites hold stiff, slightly glossy peaks, then refrigerate.
  3. Beat together almond paste and remaining sugar in mixer. Add butter gradually and beat until mixture is fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add yolks and beat until well combined. Reduce speed to low and add flour and salt and mix until just combined. Fold in egg whites. Divide batter equally among 3 bowls.
  4. Wearing gloves, whisk red food coloring into one and green into another, leaving the third batch plain. Spread each batter separately and evenly, about ¼-inch thick, onto 3 half-sheet pans, each greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake until just barely set, about 7 minutes.
  5. When layers are cool, spread half the preserves onto the green layer. Invert plain layer over it and discard paper. Spread on remaining preserves, and invert red layer over it; discard paper. Wrap with plastic and top with a weighted baking pan. Refrigerate for several hours.
  6. Remove plastic and bring to room temperature.
    Melt chocolate in a double boiler, and spread thinly on top layer. Chill in freezer briefly until firm. Cover with wax paper, place another baking sheet on top, then invert cake onto sheet pan and remove paper. Quickly spread with remaining chocolate and return to freezer until firm.
  7. Trim edges, slice, and serve.

Servers 4

© 2012 Gordon Nary