Eating Like America’s Founding Fathers This July 4th
As July 4th approaches, many Americans grill hot dogs and burgers, but have you ever thought about how the nation’s founders would have dined? In an engaging chat with Food & Beverage Magazine founder Michael Politz, we learned about the favorite dishes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others, and how to integrate these into your Independence Day celebrations.
Washington had a taste for simple, wholesome foods, which included whey cakes, cherries, various fish, and a mix of nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts. Politz highlighted Washington’s preference for fishing, as he believed in a heartfelt diet that often showcased local fish along with fruits and vegetables grown on the plantation.
Sipping on Madeira wine was a treat for Washington. He relished a breakfast dish made from cornmeal grilled into a cake, served daily with butter and honey.
Thomas Jefferson, another key figure, had a love for fresh vegetables, peas, and French cuisine. He was quite the gardener, nurturing over 250 varieties of produce at Monticello. Interestingly, he often used meat to season his vegetable dishes, which I find rather inventive. It’s even rumored that he helped popularize classics like macaroni and cheese, french fries, and ice cream in America.
Then there’s Benjamin Franklin, who favored oysters, turkey, and tomatoes alongside a sweet tooth for apple tarts and maple syrup. His fondness for turtle soup also stands out as a Philadelphia staple of his time. Franklin was an advocate for eating local produce and even introduced new ingredients like rhubarb and kale to the colonies.
As a New Englander, John Adams indulged in hard cider and enjoyed a dessert called Apple Pandowdy, a delightful mixture of apples in a rustic style. He often included root vegetables and preserved meats, making his meals reflect the region’s agriculture. It seems like each of these figures had not just preferences but also diets shaped by their locales and lifestyles, which is quite telling.
Want to Cook Like the Founding Fathers?
Politz encourages modern cooks to recreate these historic dishes. In fact, I think many Americans unknowingly channel the tastes of these founders each July 4th. For instance, Jefferson and Washington both enjoyed ice cream, a classic for summer barbecues.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at these recipes, here’s a simple take on hoecakes—essentially cornmeal pancakes that Washington loved. Just mix cornmeal, salt, sugar, and boiling water, fry until golden, and serve warm with honey or syrup. You might be surprised by how these flavors stand the test of time.
Ingredients for Hoecakes
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Boiling water (enough to make a thick batter)
- Butter or lard for frying
- Honey or syrup for serving
Directions
- Combine cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
- Gradually stir in boiling water to achieve a thick batter.
- Heat butter or lard in a frying pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the heated surface and fry until golden brown on each side.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of honey or syrup.
John Adams’ Apple Pandowdy
This rustic apple dessert perfectly embodies the essence of colonial New England. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 8 medium baking apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup butter, diced
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- Additional milk and sugar for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice.
- Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl, then coat the apples.
- Arrange pie crusts in a dish, fill with apple mixture, dot with butter, and cover with the second crust.
- Cut vents, brush with milk, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake until golden brown, then drizzle with maple syrup.
Creating these historical recipes allows for a connection with America’s culinary roots. They not only provide an opportunity for menu innovation but also help keep storytelling alive through food.
So, as you celebrate this July 4th, consider putting a twist on tradition by honoring the dishes that our founders might have enjoyed. It might just add a little more flavor to your holiday!
