Thomas Jefferson's Favorites

In my quest for information about Thomas Jefferson's inaugural dinner,

I discovered a couple of factual errors in yesterday's blog 

about George Washington's first inaugural.

According to the Library of Congress, 

Washington was sworn in in New York, not Washington DC. 

Not only that, there was indeed a little celebrating 

as Washington made his way to New York.

And the night of the inauguration, there were fireworks.

Unfortunately, still no sources were found that described the inaugural meal.

But onward to Jefferson, the third U.S. president.

Thomas Jefferson image, whitehouse.gov

Thomas Jefferson is the second of the eight presidents from Virginia,

and he was the first inaugurated in Washington DC.

 I couldn't find any references to his inaugural dinner

beyond the fact that he returned to his boarding house and seated himself

in his usual spot furthest from the fire 

rather than take a place of honor at the table.

At least he didn't dine alone, being accompanied by about 30 others for the meal.

Source: http://www.uschs.org/exhibit/history-featured-articles/uschs_articles-09.htm

Although information about the inaugural meal is sparse,

there is lots of information about Jefferson's favorite foods at table in Monticello

and about some of the meals served in the White House during his presidency

here at this site:

http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/dinner-served

Generally, the evening meals were sumptuous; however, monticello.org

describes one guest of the Jefferson White House who was rather disappointed

that he had only been served "rice soup, round of beef,

turkey, mutton, ham, loin of veal, cutlets of mutton or veal,

fried eggs, fried beef, a pie called macaroni ... ."

This same diner also enjoyed ice cream, 

and "a dish somewhat like pudding ... covered with cream sauce... ."

To that we can add "jimcracks" an assortment of nuts, candies, and fruits.

The meal sounds lavish by today's standards,

so it is hard to imagine just what this gentleman was expecting.

Maybe he was aware of Jefferson's reputation as a connoisseur
and was dismayed that many of the dishes were somewhat ordinary.
But who knows? His expectations shall remain a minor mystery.

At home in Monticello, 

Jefferson enjoyed vegetables--over 250 varieties, 

but most especially peas.

Monticello.org says that Jefferson loved peas 

the way Ronald Reagan loved jelly beans.

Jefferson also had his cooks prepare blanc mange, 

a kind of milk or cream pudding,

which, incidentally, my maternal grandmother also used to make.

Because it is predominately milk, sugar, and gelatin, I never ate any;
so I can't speak to its flavor. I would imagine it's similar to a vanilla pudding though.

Even though I'm not a fan of blanc mange,
I can share Jefferson's affection for some of his breakfast foods.

Breakfasts at Monticello were less elaborate than the evening meals,

but included "tea, coffee, muffins, hot wheat and corn bread

cold ham and butter."

Hot bread and butter?

Now that's good food,
whether for pauper or for president.

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