Dine Like Norma Jeane: Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Foods

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Norma Jeane Baker, most famously known by her stage name Marilyn Monroe, was and has remained an undeniably iconic actress who paved her way to stardom on the silver screen. However, she had a lesser known talent: cooking. Her diet can be considered unique and simple, but she had a knack for making delicious meals. Check out these recipes that resemble Marilyn Monroe’s favorite foods.

Steak

Ms. Monroe had a protein-rich diet that included lots of steak and other red meats. To truly mimic Marilyn, munch on a handful of raw carrots, her preferred vegetable side.

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Lamb

These Marilyn-approved lamb chops are marinated with an extremely flavorful medley of juices and herbs. Lamb was frequently enjoyed by the star. She would even broil the cuts herself in her hotel room with an electric oven.

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Chocolate Caramel Sundaes

Marilyn was somewhat of a minimalist when it came to fare. She absolutely loved sundaes and kept them simple.

Learn how to make a decadent chocolate sauce from scratch here.

Liver

If you’re skeptical about the deliciousness of liver, give this recipe a shot to ease your way into loving it. Keep in mind that Marilyn loved it, so you should, too.

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Glazed Carrots

Munch on these glazed baby carrots as a side dish or an anytime-of-day snack. Marilyn preferred her carrots raw, often dubbing herself a “rabbit.”

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Stuffing

Marilyn has a now-famous stuffing recipe that was handwritten on an insurance company’s stationery. A Thanksgiving dinner table staple, stuffing is full of flavors and textures that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

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Vegetables

Eat your veggies! Marilyn loved her vegetables, especially carrots. Vegetables are simple to cook, packed with essential nutrients for a healthy body and mind, and can be elegantly spruced up with your favorite spices and sauces.

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Champagne

Norma Jeane had a keen taste for champagne. The sparkling wine doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive or saved for ringing in the new year. Whether you like your bubbly sweet and fruity or dry and tart, always remember to sip slowly and savor the effervescent flavor.

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Cabbage

Cabbage has a long list of health benefits, including keeping inflammation in check, lowering blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, improving digestion, and keeping your heart and blood healthy. It is believed that Ms. Monroe occasionally enjoyed cabbage with her meals to feel and look strong and beautiful.

Try our favorite cabbage recipes.

Hot Dogs

Ms. Monroe’s everyday diet may be considered routine and mundane, but the starlet certainly knew how to treat herself. A famed photo of Marilyn eating a hot dog (sans bun) alludes to her intermittent admiration for cheerful and nostalgic fare.

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The Perfect Hamburger

The 1950s were, perhaps, the pinnacle of the American diner, in which burgers (and shakes and French fries and soda) were a primary order. Fire up the grill and garnish your burger with any toppings and cheeses to make it your own.

Get our favorite burger recipes here.