Tonight in the kitchen I made one of President Grover Cleveland’s favorites – Parsnip Fritters.

President Cleveland’s most favorite meal of all was Squirrel Stew but I decided against trying to achieve that masterpiece. First of all, I’ve never tasted or prepared anything squirrel related and I personally wouldn’t eat it. Can’t take the city girl out of the city haha! No offense to those who enjoy squirrel 🥰

During President Cleveland’s first administration in 1885-1889, Parsnip Fritters were on the Thanksgiving menu.

The recipe was also in a White House cookbook published in 1887. The recipe description said the fritters “resemble very nearly the taste of the salsify or oyster plant, and will generally be preferred.”

I couldn’t locate parsnips at my local grocery store so used turnips in its place. I also added a little bit of fresh chopped parley. Other than that…I used the exact recipe from 1887.

The fritters resemble potato cakes – very similar in taste and texture. Absolutely delicious! I recommend dab of sour cream or applesauce on top – extra yummy 😋

Grover Cleveland’s Parsnip Fritters

Ingredients

Servings: 14 (makes two-inch fritters)

16 ounces parsnips, peeled, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths, thick rounds cut in half lengthwise (I used 2 turnips)

Salt

2 teaspoons flour

1 large egg, beaten

A couple pinches of freshly grated nutmeg (I omitted the nutmeg)

2 tablespoons lard, turkey fat (from pan drippings) or unsalted butter, or more as needed (I used Canola oil)

Directions

Place the parsnips in a medium saucepan with salted water to cover, bring to a boil and cook until the parsnips are tender, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Transfer the parsnips to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to press the parsnips into a coarse mash, discarding any sections that are tough and woody. The yield is about 2 cups.

Stir in the flour, egg, salt to taste and the nutmeg, if using, and stir to combine well.

Line a large plate with several layers of paper towels.

Heat the lard, turkey fat or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the parsnip mixture 1 spoonful at a time, pressing down on it to form a round patty about 2 inches in diameter. Work in batches so as not to crowd the skillet. Cook until the patties are golden brown, about 2 minutes, then turn them over and cook until golden brown on the second side, about 2 minutes.

Transfer the cooked fritters to the paper towels to drain. Repeat to fry all of the batter, adding fat as needed. Serve the fritters warm.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you! What a great way to celebrate the day by indulging in a Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake with homemade Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting☘️ ☘️☘️

Ingredients for the Cake

2 cups all purpose flour

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon salt

I tablespoon baking soda

1 egg

2/3 cups oil (I used canola oil…vegetable oil is good to use as well)

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream

I cup black coffee

Optional: mint chocolate chip pieces, diced finely, for decoration.

Ingredients for Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups confectioners sugar

1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake Directions

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Set aside.

In another medium bowl, beat the egg, oil, buttermilk, Bailey’s Irish Cream and coffee together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Beat for about 2-3 minutes.

Pour into two well greased 8” or 9″ round cake pans or a 9×13″ pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is done (use a toothpick to check!)

Cool completely before frosting the cake.

Frosting Instructions

With a handheld or stand alone mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and butter is a nice pale yellow – about 2 minutes.

Add 4 cups confectioners sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream and vanilla extract.

Beat for about 2 minutes or until you get a nice frosting consistency.

Frost the cake and add minced mint chocolate chips for that special touch!

Today in American history…Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were married on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1905, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Henry Parrish, Jr. in New York City.

Eleanor’s Uncle, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, gave his niece away at the wedding due to her father (the President’s brother) being deceased.

Today in American history…former First Lady Pat Nixon was born on March 16, 1912 in Ely, Nevada. Her birth name was Thelma Catherine Ryan.

Since she was born on the eve of Saint Patrick’s Day her father, who was very proud of his Irish heritage, gave her the nickname of “Pat” which is what she would always be known as.

President Millard Fillmore liked simple foods which included basically meat, potatoes and vegetables.

One of the family’s favorites was Mrs. Fillmore’s Whole Stuffed Tomatoes. Her personal recipe is from the cookbook The First Ladies Cookbook-Favorite Recipes of All the Presidents of the United States from 1965.

Abigail Fillmore’s Whole Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

6 firm ripe tomatoes
1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter or dripping
butter in dabs

Select tomatoes of equal size. Cut a piece from the stem end of each, and remove the centers, being careful not to break the wall.

For the stuffing: Use the centers of the tomatoes diced, crumbs seasoning and the butter or drippings. Mix well. Sprinkle each tomato with salt and pepper. Fill each tomato with the stuffing.

Place into baking dish. Place a dab of butter on each.

Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees) until tender, about 1/2 hour.

For dinner last night we enjoyed Piccata of Veal and Two-Tone Rice – using Nancy Reagan‘s personal recipes. It was delicious!

I had a craving for something chocolatey and sweet today and what better comfort food is better than a warm chocolate brownie fresh from the oven!

Former First Lady Nancy’s own personal recipe for Chocolate Brownie’s definitely made my heart sing as I enjoyed each bite of the chocolate deliciousness.

I had to adapt the recipe just a little bit by cutting the ingredients in half because I couldn’t possibly have 96 brownies on hand – although tempting!

Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

1 1/4 Cup Butter, softened

1 1/4 Cup Sugar

4 Eggs

1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

1 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1 1/2 Cup chopped Walnuts or Pecans (I used Pecans)

Directions

Cream butter and sugar together in a small mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Add the nuts and fold in.

Spread the brownie mixture evenly into a small greased (or lined with parchment paper) pan. Bake in a preheated oven of 375 degrees for about 27 minutes.

Cool the brownies for about an hour. Cut and enjoy!

P.S. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes perfectly on top 😋

Today in American history…Ronald and Nancy Reagan were married on March 4, 1952.

“When I say my life began with Ronnie, well, it’s true. It did. I can’t imagine life without him.” – Nancy Reagan

“The nicest thing a girl ever did for me was when a girl named Nancy married me and brought a warmth and joy to my life that has grown with each passing year.” – Ronald Reagan

There is nothing in the world like a sugar cream pie. It’s basically a vanilla custard/pudding in a buttery pie crust topped with cinnamon and nutmeg. It doesn’t get any better than this, folks! Take my word on it. I’m on my second slice 🤣

Today in American history…our Nation’s first President was born on February 22, 1732.

George Washington’s favorite breakfast staple was a stack of Hoe Cakes fresh off the griddle smothered in butter, syrup or honey. He also enjoyed a cup of hot tea or one his other favorite beverages: hot chocolate cream (which we know now to be a version of hot chocolate).

Hoe Cakes

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup melted butter lightly cooled

Vegetable oil or bacon grease for frying

Directions

In a large bowl add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt and whisk together really well.

Make a hole/well in the center of the mixture and add in the beaten eggs, buttermilk, water, and melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil (I use butter) in a cast iron skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat.

Scoop enough batter as if you are making a pancake and drop into the frying pan.

Fry each Hoe cake until the edges start to bubble and the edges are golden brown. Flip over and fry for another couple minutes until golden brown.

Remove and serve immediately with butter, and or syrup. Or you can be like George Washington and add honey!