Presidential Inaugural Tea: Recipes and Traditions from the White House
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Presidential teas have long been cherished, offering a glimpse into America’s leaders’ personal tastes and cultural influences. These gatherings often feature various delicacies that reflect the era and the President’s preferences.

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Notable Presidential Recipes
Here are some past favorite presidential recipes:
- Abraham Lincoln’s Lemon Custard Pie: President Lincoln had a fondness for simple desserts, and this lemon custard pie, with its delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors, was among his favorites. While the exact recipe from Lincoln’s era isn’t readily available, similar recipes can be found in historical cookbooks.
- Lyndon B. Johnson’s Ranch Spiced Tea: Reflecting his Texan roots, LBJ’s spiced tea combines black tea with a blend of spices, offering a warm and inviting beverage suitable for any gathering. The recipe includes black tea, cloves, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus, served over ice. The Library of Congress
- Barbara Bush’s Mexican Mound: This dish, featuring layers of corn chips, ground meat, and taco seasoning, showcases the Bush family’s appreciation for Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s a hearty addition to any tea menu. The Library of Congress
Recreating a Presidential Inaugural Tea
To host an afternoon tea inspired by presidential traditions, consider incorporating the following elements:
- Scones: A staple of afternoon tea, scones can be served with clotted cream and jam and are simple and delicious to make. Cream scones are always a favorite, and for a British touch, Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Currant Scones are a treat all on their own.
- Tea Selection: Offer a variety of teas, including black, green, and herbal options, to cater to different preferences. Consider blends that have historical significance or were favored by past presidents. Early records at Mt. Vernon showed that President George Washington had a fondness for Hyson tea and green tea, Mrs. Abigail Adams shared her recipe for Rose Petal Tea in 1887, and James A Garfield favored a spiced black tea that included mint, lemon, allspice, and orange juice.
- Savory Bites: Incorporate finger sandwiches, such as cucumber or salmon tea sandwiches, and savory canapés for a balanced menu.
By embracing these recipes and elements, you can create an afternoon tea experience that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the White House, bringing a touch of presidential elegance to your own gatherings.
Abraham Lincoln’s Lemon Custard Pie Recipe

Mrs. Nancy Breedlove operated a hotel in Illinois in the mid-1800s. A hotel often frequented seems at a time by Abraham Lincoln when involved in court trials. He first encountered her lemon custard pie there and loved it enough that, at his request, she wrote out the recipe for him. It’s was a recipe carried to the White House and considered to be his favorite dessert.
Sources: Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School
Abraham Lincoln’s Lemon-Custard Pie
The Tacoma Times newspaper issued on November 19, 1913, on page 5, we read the account of the celebration by Mrs. Breedlove, honoring the b50th anniversary of the Gettysburg address, sharing not only the back story to Mr. Lincoln’s favorite dessert but also including the recipe.

Recipe: “Two-thirds of a cup of water, one teacup of sugar, the yolks of three or four eggs; grated rind and juice of one lemon; one tablespoon of cornstarch; fill a pie shell and bake in a hot oven. Beat up the whites of the eggs separately to a stiff froth, mix in three tablespoonfuls of sugar, and spread over the pie. Bake to a nice brown.”
More Presidential Recipes
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