Sunday, November 19, 2006

Thanksgiving Menus, Part II: The Presidential


1946: President Truman’s Diet Thanksgiving.

It must have been the clear bouillon that made the diet difference.

From the New York Times:
WHITE HOUSE MENU GUARDS WAISTLINE.
The White House announced today an ample menu for the Thanksgiving dinner which President Truman will sandwich in between two diplomatic dinners, but he’s still dieting.

The continued waistline-reduction regime is on the authority of Mrs. Mary E. Sharpe, White House housekeeper, who counts the Presidential calories. She declined to elaborate other than to say: “When I make up menus I keep it in mind.”

Mrs. Sharpe gave the Thanksgiving menu as follows: clear bouillon, curled celery and olives, roast stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, candied sweet potatoes, buttered peas, cauliflower au gratin, orange and cress salad, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and cheese, candied fruit, nuts, coffee.

1961: President Kennedy’s Family Dinner.

President Kennedy and his family dined at the home of his father, Joseph P. Kennedy in Nantucket Sound on Thanksgiving Day in 1961. There were 33 at dinner, and the menu was:

Tomato Soup
Roast Turkey
Cranberry Sauce
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Hot Buttered Rolls
Assorted Pies
Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate Ice Cream.
1995: President Clinton at Camp David.
Thanksgiving Menu:

Turkey wrapped in Bacon.
Mrs. Kelly’s traditional cornbread stuffing.
Mashed Potatoes.
Liza’s Sweet Potato Casserole.
(from "30 Years at the Arkansas Governors' Mansion")
Giblet Gravy.
Seasoned Green Beans.
Assorted cut relish tray.
Black Cherry Salad.
Cold Fruit Salad
Fresh baked dinner rolls and muffins
Pumpkin pie, Pecan pie, Apple pie.
For Thanksgiving Menus, Part I: The good, the bad, and the ugly - simply scroll down, please.
Next Instalment: Thanksgiving Menus, Part III: The Vegetarian Option.

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