Eat Like a President

mac and cheese.jpg

In honor of President’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting tidbits about various presidents and their favorite foods.

Of course when you think of George Washington, the first thing that comes to mind is a cherry tree and, by association, cherry pies. In fact, he was a great lover of ice cream.

Thomas Jefferson was a well-known lover of fine foods and drinks. In fact, he was the first to grow sweet potatoes and tomatoes in the newly formed United States of America. He is also famous for bringing macaroni back from France to his home in Monticello. The classic comfort food was once considered haute cuisine as nearly all of its ingredients had to be imported from France!

Chicken Fricassee with Biscuits was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln. He is also said to have loved various cheeses and crackers. And dessert? What could be more American than apple pie?

Here are a few other favorites…

  • Baked Grits with Cheese (Jimmy Carter)

  • New England Clam Chowder (JFK’s favorite)

  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich (FDR)

  • Macaroni & Cheese (Ronald and Nancy Reagan)

  • Corned Beef and Cabbage (Grover Cleveland)

So in honor of all of our esteemed U.S. presidents, enjoy the following recipe for class creamy macaroni & cheese. Hail to the chief!

Classic Macaroni & Cheese

Bread Crumb Topping

·         5 slices white sandwich bread

·         3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Mac & Cheese

·         1 (16-ounce) package of pasta shells

·         1 stick butter

·         6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

·         2 tsp. dry mustard

·         ¼ tsp. cayenne

·         5 C. milk

·         8 oz. sharp white cheddar, shredded

·         8 oz. Monterey Jack, shredded

Breadcrumb Topping

Pulse bread and butter in food processor until coarsely ground. Set aside.

Cook macaroni in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.

In the now empty pot, melt the butter. Add flour, mustard and cayenne and a bit of salt. Cook 1-2 mins. Don’t let brown. Add in milk. Let thicken. Off heat, add in cheeses. Pour in the cooked pasta. Let heat through. Place in an oven proof dish and top with breadcrumbs. Broil until crispy 3-5 mins.


Serves 6-8

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