“Behind the Candelabra”: A Liberace Party

Our Liberace spread. Check out that jeweled pie server!

It’s been a long wait, but HBO’s Liberace biopic, “Behind the Candelabra,” is finally available for Netflix rental and on DVD. Time to break out the glittery metallic Liberace souvenir mug and my best sequined suit!

You may not know — I didn’t — that Liberace was an avid cook and not only published his own cookbook, but even had his own cooking show. The cookbook is out of print now, but you can get an updated coffee-table version; see our review of Joy of Liberace: Retro Recipes from America’s Kitschiest Kitchen. I made the apple brown betty and classic mac and cheese (MSG omitted), and both came out surprisingly well! The Li’l Smokies in BBQ sauce weren’t Liberace-approved, but I thought they fit the era.

If you haven’t seen “Behind the Candelabra,” it’s a glittery, rhinestoned thrill ride, and all the nude hot tub scenes and sequined suits make for some excellent drinking games. Pour out a champagne fountain, put on some cocktail rings, and don’t forget some authentic Liberacean snacks!