Full Description
Who Were the Original Foodies?
Beyond their legacy as revolutionaries and politicians, the Founding Fathers of America were first and foremost a group of farmers. Passionate about the land and the bounty it produced, their love of food and the art of eating created what would ultimately become America's diverse food culture.
Like many of today's foodies, the Founding Fathers were ardent supporters of sustainable farming and ranching, exotic imported foods, brewing, distilling, and wine appreciation. Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin penned original recipes, encouraged local production of beer and wine, and shared their delight in food with friends and fellow politicians.
In The Founding Foodies, food writer Dave DeWitt entertainingly describes how some of America's most famous colonial leaders not only established America's political destiny, but also revolutionized the very foods we eat.
Features over thirty authentic colonial recipes, including:
Thomas Jefferson's ice cream
A recipe for beer by George Washington
Martha Washington's fruitcake
Medford rum punch
Terrapin soup
Contents
Contents
Introduction: Foodies and Polymaths xi
Chapter One: The First Foodies 1
Chapter Two: Here's to Food, Drink, and War! 41
Chapter Three: Farmer Washington, Entrepreneur Extraordinaire 71
Chapter Four: Diplomacy, Slavery, and Haute Cuisine in Paris 101
Chapter Five: Bombastic Barbecues, Presidential Palates, and Scurrilous Scandals 127
Chapter Six: Food and Wine at Monticello 163
Chapter Seven: Re-creating the Recipes of the Founding Foodies 191
Appendix: Recommended Historical Sites and Restaurants 237
Image Credits 247
Bibliography 249
Endnotes 275
Index 297
