 McIlhenny would draw on his experience with the mid-century 'C-Ration' to produce the "Charlie Ration Cookbook or No Food Is Too Good for the Man Up Front"- bundled with a 2-ounce bottle of Tabasco sauce within a waterproof container, the humorous cookbook offered recipes for the production of diverse meals from standard C-Rations, combined with Tabasco sauce and other ingredients.A bon vivant and gourmet, McIlhenny was closely acquainted with many luminaries of the food world, such as James Beard and Paul Prudhomme.McIlhenny was an avid hunter, participated in many big game hunts in the U.S. and Canada, and went on several African safaris and Indian shikars.