December 19, 2008

George Washington was one of the wealthiest and most influential planters in Virginia after he returned to Mount Vernon after his years as president.

He enjoyed the elegant abundance of field and table at his estate, as witnessed by this account of a Christmas dinner at the plantation:

“Christmas Dinner at Mount Vernon: An Onion Soup Call’d the King’s Soup, Oysters on the Half Shell, Broiled Salt Roe Hering, Boiled Rockfish, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, Mutton Chops, Roast Suckling Pig, Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Round of Cold Boiled Beef with Horse-radish Sauce, Cold Baked Virginia Ham, Lima Beans, Baked Acorn Squash, Baked Celery with Slivered Almonds, Hominy Pudding, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Cantaloupe Pickle, Spiced Peaches in Brandy, Spiced Cranberries, Mincemeat Pie, Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Chess Tarts, Blancmange, Plums in Wine Jelly, Snowballs, Indian Pudding, Great Cake, Ice Cream, Plum Pudding, Fruits, Nuts, Raisins, Port, Madeira.”
—The American Heritage Cookbook and Illustrated History of American Eating & Drinking,.New York: American Heritage Publishing Co, 1964

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1 Comment »

1. 

   Just dropping by to wish you Happy Holidays!

   Comment by Foodista — December 26, 2008 @ 1:24 am

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