I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

This recipe for vintage Clove Cake comes from the kitchen of Theodore Roosevelt, more particularly, from his wife, Edith. We discovered the recipe here in the First Ladies Cookbook. They say this was Teddy’s favorite cake. This old fashioned cake tastes slightly similar to gingerbread. It was popular at the turn of the century to make cakes using molasses and raisins and this cake is no different. The Roosevelt’s suggested to serve the cake with slices of crystallized ginger on top, but since I knew my kids would never go for that, we topped ours with a warm caramel sauce and dollop of whipped cream instead. My pickiest eater devoured a slice and asked for seconds. I think she thought it was chocolate cake (shh… it’s our little secret). We’ll include the recipe for the caramel sauce below. It’s exquisite. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup of butter (room temperature) 1 cup of sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup of molasses 1 teaspoon baking soda, mixed in the molasses 1/2 cup of milk 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon cloves, cinnamon, and allspice 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg 3 cups raisins or finely chopped dates* DIRECTIONS Mix butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs, beating well. Add molasses with soda, milk, and flour that has been …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

These perfectly crackled molasses “ginger cakes” are said to be Thomas Jefferson’s favorite Christmas cookies (they’re similar to gingerbread cookies). They’re called Ginger Cakes and if you are ever visiting Colonial Williamsburg, you can find these delectable little treats on Duke of Gloucester Street at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, where they serve these as well as other 18th-century-inspired sweets. But if you’re not heading there any time soon, these Thomas Jefferson Ginger Cakes are surprisingly easy to make! Ingredients 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1 and 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup melted butter 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 cup unsulfurred molasses 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract (optional) 3/4 tsp. lemon extract (optional) 4 cups stone-ground or unbleached flour (unsifted) Directions Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted margarine, evaporated milk, and molasses. Add the extracts if desired. Mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to 1/2 cup additional four if necessary to prevent sticking. When the dough is smooth, …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

This recipe for Martha Washington’s Crab Soup was found in The First Ladies Cook Book under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s section of favorite recipes. Apparently the first First Lady’s Crab Soup was well-loved by the Roosevelt family and was also served during the Eisenhower administration. This 250 year old recipe was probably considered fine cuisine way back then– crabs were considered a special treat to Colonists. Though, if you make it as is, you’ll find this soup to be very simple in flavor. Ingredients and depth of flavor were a bit different back then. To add more zing, toss in some crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, diced potato, lemon juice and fresh parsley, and you’ll have given this centuries old recipe a modern spin (and a little more flavor your 21st century palate desires). Both the original recipe and our adaptations are below. *Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds crab meat in chunks 1 quart milk or light cream 2 TBS butter 2 hard cooked eggs, mashed 1 TBS flour zest of one lemon 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup sherry salt, pepper, to taste paprika for garnish Directions In the top of a double boiler, blend the butter and flour. Add the eggs which have been mashed, then the …

First Lady Mamie Eisenhower’s recipe for fudge was published soon after she became First Lady in 1953. The fudge recipe was an immediate hit with American families. It consequently became dubbed “Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge.” It’s simple to make, and as the recipe states, it’s better the next day! INGREDIENTS 4 and 1/2 cups sugar Pinch salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 tall (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate bits 12 oz. German-sweet chocolate 1 pint marshmallow cream 2 cups chopped nuts DIRECTIONS Boil the sugar, salt, butter, and evaporated milk together for six minutes. Put chocolate bits, German chocolate, marshmallow cream, and nutmeats in a bowl. Pour the boiling syrup over the ingredients. Beat until chocolate is all melted, then pour in pan. Let stand a few hours before cutting. Remember it is better the second day. Store in a tin box. Author: Andrea Former news reporter and Capitol Hill press guru, wife, mom, and pastry addict. Twitter Facebook

The original recipe for this Acorn Squash and Leek Soup was from the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum and is now printed in the cookbook, Eating with Uncle Sam: Recipes and Historical Bites from the National Archives (an awesome cookbook, by the way). This soup is delicious! One of my favorite soups made with any kind of squash! The toasted pecan garnish is a must! INGREDIENTS 2 acorn squash 1 large leek 1 qt chicken stock ½ cup toasted chopped pecans 1 TBS butter (or olive oil) 2 TBS chopped chives DIRECTIONS Cut acorn squash in half and bake in a 350° oven for 30-45 minutes or until tender. Remove from the oven and cool. Scoop out the seeds and discard them. Scoop out the flesh from the skin. Dice the leek into small pieces and wash. Sautee the leek in butter (or olive oil) until tender, then add squash and about 2/3 of the chicken stock. Stir everything together and cook. Put the soup in a blender and mix until smooth. Add more chicken stock if too thick. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish hot soup with chopped toasted pecans and chives. Author: Andrea Former news reporter and Capitol Hill press …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

I’m a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. I’ve also become a bit of a cookie “snob” over the years and am extremely picky about what I like. They can’t be too crisp, too flat, too dense, or too sweet. I need the perfect balance. George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookie is it. This week, I hosted a book club at my house (for my favorite book about this man) and had a whole line up of presidential foods. I had JFK’s fish chowder, Teddy Roosevelt’s clove cake, Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche and her pecan pie, etc. I enjoyed every single one of them. But my very favorite food from that entire night was George W. Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. I don’t know if they were named after GW or if the name existed before they became a GW favorite? No idea. But, I do know that these cookies were perfection. Maybe it was the addition of both coconuts and oats to a classic, or maybe it was the crunchy and slightly salty cornflakes? Whatever it was, I’m telling you, these cookies were fabulous and totally hit the spot (thanks to my friend Amy for making them)! They were the perfect balance …

This recipe for Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing was prepared during the holidays at the White House in 1996 when President Bill Clinton was president. It’s a spice-packed stuffing with ingredients you’d never thought belonged in a stuffing, but now wouldn’t have any other way. According to the White House archives, this dish was prepared by White House Chefs Walter Scheib III and Roland Mesnier. Not a fan of Chorizo? No problem. Just replace it with a variety of sausage you prefer. That’s what I did and it still tasted spectacular. This stuffing has a bit of a Spanish flair with the prominent taste of cumin. It’s not a spice I would have even fathomed putting in a stuffing, but it was a pleasant surprise. So were the butternut squash and sundried tomatoes… both tasty additions I’d never seen before in a stuffing. Try it topped with this butternut squash salsa and you’ll wonder why you didn’t know about this combo sooner! Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 2 tsp. olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 c. butternut squash, diced 1/4 c. carrots, diced 1/4 c. sundried tomatoes, diced 1/4 c. Chorizo sausage (or other sausage variety), cooked, drained, and crumbled 2 tsp. ground cumin …

This chili is said to be President Barack Obama’s ultimate favorite. Though, fair warning, it isn’t your standard chili recipe. This Chicago-style chili has a few added twists that deviate from the norm–but that doesn’t stop it from being delightful! “I borrowed this recipe from my husband—it’s now the President’s Chili Recipe. When we lived in Chicago, we loved to invite our family and friends over to our house, make a batch of chili, and enjoy the evening together.” —Michelle Obama This Chicago-style chili isn’t as soupy as standard chili recipes. It has a few twists that set it apart from the norm. First, it calls for fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones, turmeric (definitely not a standard chili spice), and a big splash of red-wine vinegar that takes the flavor to a new level. In fact, the Obama’s recommend you serve this chili over rice. So, that’s just what I did . . . and it didn’t disappoint! Top it with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream–and whip up a batch of Abe Lincoln’s corn muffins to go with it–and this is about as hearty and tasty as chili comes. Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 1 large onion, chopped 1 …