First Ladies 1800 to 1850

Acting First Lady Martha Randolph (daughter) and
President Thomas Jefferson
Acting First Lady 1801 - 1809
Quote from Patsy -

"...the English are really a wonderful people, it is impossible to contemplate their works in every quarter of the globe without admiration."

Factoids -

Martha "Patsy"Jefferson was the daughter of Martha and Thomas Jefferson. She began as Acting First Lady when her widowed father became President.
Patsy gave birth to the first child born in the White House.

Bio -

Martha, lived in Paris when her father, Thomas, was U.S. Minister to France. It's noted that she was smart, fun, and not lacking for male admirers. While in France, she studied art, music, and languages.
Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha Wayles Jefferson, died 19 years before he became President. He was skilled at hosting White House events on his own, but Margaret (Patsy), often helped with hosting.
Patsy spent a lot of time at Monticello, the family’s estate, and the White House. She had 11 children, but was often separated from her husband, who suffered from mental illness. Her father, Thomas, helped Patsy raise his grandchildren. And, Patsy, an intellectual, often helped him with political matters.

About Thomas - Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States and the main author of the Declaration of Independence. During his Presidency, he completed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the U.S., and supported westward expansion. Jefferson also promoted limited government and individual liberties, though he was a slave owner throughout his life.
President Thomas Jefferson loved food. His love of ice cream, macaroni and cheese, and tomatoes made these foods popular to America, even today. He loved the "sipping chocolates" (hot chocolate) in France and brought it to popularity in Washington.

Molasses Ginger Cakes

Thomas had two favorite cookies, coconut macaroons and molasses ginger cakes. He enjoyed eating soft molasses ginger cakes at Christmas. They are similar to modern gingerbread cookies. If you visit Colonial Williamsburg, you can purchase them at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery! Or you can make them at home...

Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 & 1/2 tsps baking soda
2 tsps ground ginger
3/4 cup softened butter
1/3 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (unsifted)

Steps

In a large mixing bowl, stir together: flour, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
In another mixing bowl, beat together on high speed: softened butter and white and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in molasses and vanilla.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until the dough is just a little sticky.
Cover dough and put in refrigerator for one hour or more.
Preheat oven to 350. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Bring dough to room temperature. With clean hands, roll tablespoon-sized chunks of dough into balls. Space 2-3 inches apart on cookie sheet.
Bake at 350-degrees for 12 minutes. Cookies should look “cracked” on top. If they aren’t, bang the cookie sheet on the counter a few times and return to the oven for a minute. Cool cookies on baking sheet 5 minutes, then on a rack.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Martha Jefferson Randolph (daughter) - Oil on Canvas, Thomas Sully, Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello - Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Engraving - Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Jefferson - Charles Willson Peale, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dolley Payne Madison

6/18/2025

Dolley and Dolley's Sugar Cookies

Dolley Payne Madison*

President James Madison*

Daniel Webster once said, "There is no permanent power in Washington, other than Dolly Madison."

First Lady Dolley and President James Madison
First Lady from - 1809 - 1917
Quotes from Dolley -

"It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people's business."
"There is one secret, and that is the power we all have in forming our own destinies."

Factoids -

Dolley loved strawberry ice cream. It was hard to make in those days with no refrigerators, but she served it frequently at the White House - maybe with her famous sugar cookies.
She saved Washington's portrait from the British during the War of 1812.
James Madison was the smallest president at 5' 4"; he never weighed over 100 pounds, even after eating all that ice cream and cookies!
Always the style-setter, Dolly often wore a turban! It was her trademark.

Bio -

Dolley married John Todd, her first husband at 21. He and both of their sons died of yellow fever in 1793. In 1794, she married James Madison, then Secretary of State to President Jefferson. As President Jefferson was a widower, Dolley had many opportunities to host White House dinners and events.
Dolley was a celebrity, loved by the public. Her nickname was, "Lady Madison". Inventor, Samuel Morse, invited Dolley to be the first private citizen to send a telegram. She even received an honorary seat in Congress, enabling her to watch Congressional debates.

Dolley didn't have a formal education, but she was well-read and able to converse on many topics. White House events were popular, because Dolley was such a diplomat at entering her guests' political arguments. She gathered people together at the White House and had them sit together, have some wine, and behave themselves, despite any political differences. Dolley was also a master at leading conversations to support the President's point of view, all while entertaining in style!
Dolley was influential for future First Ladies and Presidents. She believed American citizens were her responsibility, as well that of her husband. She started the First Lady tradition of having a civic cause. Dolley's project was establishing a home for orphaned girls. The orphanage still exists today in Washington, D.C.
The food legend of Dolley's love for strawberry ice cream is that Dolley heard of a new dessert in Delaware and went to taste it. Sallie Shadd, a former enslaved woman, had a food catering business and became famous for her dessert creation of frozen cream, sugar, and fruit. After Dolley tasted it, strawberry ice cream was served at President Madison's second Inaugural Ball and seemed to be the official White House dessert.

About James - James Madison, the 4th President, is often called the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. During his Presidency, the War of 1812 against Britain, tested the nation's strength and resulted in a sense of national unity. Madison's leadership helped solidify the United States' independence.

Dolley's Sugar Cookies

Foodie legend has it that Dolley's Sugar Cookies cookies were served by Dolley Madison to her husband President James Madison.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
extra flour or powdered sugar for rolling dough

Steps

Stir, whisk, or sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Put aside.
In a large bowl, mix together softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Add slightly beaten egg, milk, and vanilla.
On low speed, gradually add flour mixture until all is mixed together and pulls together. If the dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.
Chill dough in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375° F and prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Divide dough in half. Place dough half on a floured surface, or one sprinkled with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick.
Cut dough into shapes with cookie cutters or circles, with a drinking glass rim. Put them about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for about 8 minutes or until cookies are brown on the edges. You may want to rotate the cookie sheet at about 4 minutes into baking, to get even baking.
Let cookies rest on the cookie sheet a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Recipe Card

*Portrait Credits
Dolley Madison - National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Locket - Yale, Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
James Madison - John Vanderlyn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Monroe

6/6/2025

Elizabeth, Eliza, and Cry Baby Cookies

First Lady Elizabeth, daughter Eliza, and President James Monroe

Elizabeth Kortright Monroe*

Eliza Monroe*

President James Monroe*

About James - James Monroe was the fifth President, and is known for the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European nations against colonizing the Americas. His presidency was the "Era of Good Feelings," a period of unity and stability after the War of 1812. James also helped expand U.S. territory through the acquisition of Florida from Spain.

First Lady Elizabeth Monroe
First Lady from - 1817 - 1825
Quotes from Elizabeth - No quotes seem to exist. James burned all her letters after she died (a family tradition). One follower suggested this one: "Honey, could you pick up some butter on the way home."
Factoids -

While living in France, Elizabeth demanded to visit Adrienne de Noailles de Lafayette, who was in prison. Adrienne was the wife of American Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette. Elizabeth's visit was important, because it gathered U.S. support, resulting in Adrienne's release. Had she not been released, Adrienne would have faced death by guillotine.
The Monroes were musical; and had pianos in every home. Elizabeth played piano and a music notebook of her favorite pieces still exists.
Elizabeth had hair earrings woven from her hair. Hair jewelry was popular back then for remembrance

Bio -

Elizabeth came from a well-known and wealthy family, related to the Roosevelts. She was only 17 when she married James Monroe, a former Lt. Colonel and a lawyer. They had 3 children, including Eliza who later helped as hostess at the White House.
The family moved to Paris, where James was Minister to France. There, Elizabeth got the nickname, "La Belle Americaine", because of her style and beauty.
Elizabeth was 48 when James Monroe was elected President. When the Monroe Family moved into the White House, reconstruction after the War of 1812 was almost finished. Elizabeth's style remains two centuries later. She purchased many pieces of furniture and decor from France for the restored White House. When First Lady Jackie Kennedy began a new restoration in 1961, she said the furniture that Elizabeth chose was the best she had seen!
Elizabeth's time in Europe made White House events a bit more formal than before. She was a bit unpopular for this and for her unwillingness to mix with other political wives. Some White House events were even boycotted. Now, we believe Elizabeth's love of privacy was really due to health issues from epilepsy, a condition she kept private. Elizabeth's formal style prevailed though, and is now considered the "standard" for First Ladies.

Acting First Lady Eliza Monroe
From - 1821 - 1825

Eliza, the daughter of Elizabeth and James, acted as unofficial First Lady during much of James's second term as President. Elizabeth's health required that her daughter, Eliza, host many of the events. Eliza was, however, outspoken and a sharp wit, which made her unpopular. Eliza had a difficult life, as between 1830-1831, her mother, husband, and father all died. She was so grief stricken that she moved to Paris and joined a convent.

Cry Baby Cookies

Food legend has it that these are called Cry Baby Cookies because they're so delicious that people cry for more! Cry Baby Cookies were a favorite of the President and very popular during the time period.

Ingredients
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
1 cup sugar, divided into halves
1/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup vegetable shortening or butter
1 large egg
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons powdered ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps

Preheat oven to 375° F.
Put 1/4 cup of the sugar into a saucer.
Mix all the other ingredients together.
With clean hands, roll 1-inch balls from the dough and roll leach ball in the sugar in the saucer.
Put the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten them just bit with your hand or a glass. (Not too thin, keep them rounded!) Separate them a couple of inches apart.
Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, checking halfway through.

Recipe Card

*Portrait Credits
Elizabeth Monroe - Eben F. Comens after John Vanderlyn ref, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Eliza Monroe - unattributed, appears as portrait attributed to S. Caruson, by the Frick Art Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
James Monroe - John Vanderlyn 1816, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain

Louisa Johnson Adams

6/5/2025

Louisa and Shrewsbury Cookies

Louisa Johnson Adams*

John Quincy Adams*

First Lady Louisa and President John Quincy Adams
First Lady from - 1825 - 1829
Quote from Louisa - "Under all circumstances we must never desert ourselves."
Factoids-

At that time, Louisa was the only 1st lady born outside the U.S., in England.
Louisa was a bit untraditional, hosting a dance at her son's wedding and sometimes playing the harp for guests.

Bio -

Born in England, Louisa was educated in both France and England, learning French so well, that she forgot English for awhile! She studied the harp, piano, math, sewing, and philosophy. She also wrote poetry, plays, and essays.
Louisa's family entertained American visitors at parties in France, including U.S. President John Adams and his son, John Quincy. She and John Quincy fell in love and married in 1797.
John Quincy was assigned to American diplomat to Prussia, where Louisa became a very popular political wife and hostess, despite some health issues.
John Quincy was Secretary of State for President James Monroe. Their home became popular in Washington for large parties and dances. Louisa used her charm learned from living in multiple countries as a way to advance her husband and his campaign for President.

As First Lady, Louisa had health problems and felt lonely and removed from general society. She developed creative pastimes during her years as First Lady. She continued her love of sewing and even raised silkworms and harvested silk strands for fabric.
After her term as First Lady, Louisa continued to campaign with her husband against slavery and also for women's rights. Even after John Quincy's death, she continued relationships with politicians, gathering support for her causes. She also wrote several autobiographical essays and a play called, "Metropolitan Kaleidoscope", about an ambitious politician.
When Louisa died, Congress adjourned for the day - the first time this had happened for a woman.

About John - John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams, was a skilled diplomat and former Secretary of State before becoming President. During his Presidency, John had ambitious plans for national infrastructure and education, but he faced opposition in Congress. After leaving office, he served in the House of Representatives for 17 years, becoming a leading anti-slavery voice.

Shrewsbury Cookies

Recipes for Shrewsbury Cookies (or cakes) date back to cookbooks as early as the 1600s! They're named after the town of Shrewsbury in England. Born in England, First Lady Louisa Adams brought this recipe to The White House when her husband, John Quincy Adams became President.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup of sugar
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
zest of 1 lemon or orange
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup raisins

Steps

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Stir in the slightly beaten egg yolks and lemon zest.
Next stir in flour, gradually, then the raisins. Stir until the dough forms a bit of a mound.
Divide the dough in half and roll out half on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. With a cookie cutter or the rimof a glass, cut out circles and put on cookie sheet, leaving a couple of inches between cookies.
Bake at 350° F for about 15 minutes or until edges lightly brown. Cool a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for cooling.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Louisa Adams - Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Younger Louisa - trading card - Trading Cards NPS, CC <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
John Quincy Adams - Pieter Van Huffel, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rachel, Emily, and Sarah - Jackson

6/4/2025

Rachel and Jackson Jumbles

First Lady Rachel and President Andrew Jackson

Rachel Jackson*

President Andrew Jackson*

First Lady - 1828
Quote from Rachel - "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than live in that palace in Washington." (an eerily prophetic quote)
Factoid - Rachel smoked a pipe!

Bio - Rachel divorced her first husband due to his abuse. The next year, in 1792, she married Andrew Johnson. In 1794, they discovered Rachel's divorce wasn't valid! They remarried to make their union legal, but the incident became a scandal in 1828, during Andrew's campaign for President, over a decade later. Poor Rachel was even called a bigamist. Sadly, despite her brave stance, Rachel died of a heart attack while leaving for the inauguration in Washington.

Emily Jackson Donelson*

Acting First Lady Emily Donelson - President Jackson's niece
First Lady from - 1829 - 1834
Factoid - Andrew Jackson's inauguration was a wild party! It even had a nickname, "The Crush". It's still believed to be the wildest party ever in the White House.
Bio - Emily Donelson was Andrew Jackson's niece. When Rachel died, Emily assumed First Lady duties of hostess and White House manager. Her husband, Andrew Donelson, was the President's private secretary. Emily was dismissed as First Lady when she snubbed a wife of the President's cabinet member. However, she may have been unable to remain First Lady after she became ill with tuberculosis in 1834. She eventually died from the the disease in 1836.

Sarah Yorke Jackson*

Acting First Lady Sarah - President Jackson's Daughter-In-Law
Acting First Lady from - 1834 - 1837
Factoid - Sarah married Andrew Jackson, Jr., the adopted son of Rachel and Andrew. They honeymooned at the White House!

Bio -

Sarah, her husband, and their two children came to live at the White House in 1834, after their home in Tennessee burned. At that time, Emily Donelson was acting First Lady, but was also ill. This was the only case of TWO First Ladies! Sarah stepped in to also be First Lady and continued in that role after Emily died and until the end of President Jackson's presidency.

Sarah and her husband moved to Tennessee with Andrew after his Presidency. When the Civil War began, they moved to Mississippi, where she remained until their homes were destroyed in hurricanes. Andrew Jr. died, along with their son. Poverty stricken, Sarah moved back to Tennessee, where she was allowed to live in their old estate until her death.

About Andrew - Andrew Jackson, a war hero from the Battle of New Orleans, expanded the power of the executive branch. He opposed the national bank and enacted the Indian Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears. Jackson's Presidency marked the rise of the Democratic Party and reshaped American political life.
Read about Andrew's 1400 pound block of cheese and his shenanigans to get rid of it: The Snack That Took Over the White House

Jackson Jumbles

Jumble cookies were very popular during the 1820s-30s. Jumbles were a bit like the sugar cookies of modern times. Baking soda was responsible for bakers everywhere experimenting with new textures (crispy or cake-like). With the addition of baking soda, the crispy cookies became more like a tea cake. Baking technology!! Jackson Jumble cookies appeared during the 1832 Presidential election campaign with Andrew Jackson against Henry Clay.

Ingredients
1 cup butter (room temperature)
3 & 1/2 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
3 cups sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup heavy cream or sour cream

Steps

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Grease or line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, stir or whisk together the flours and wheat germ. Set aside.
In a separate large, bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until creamy. Stir in the cream and slightly beaten eggs
Stir in the cream and slightly beaten eggs alternately with the flour, until the dough is stiff. If it's too thick, you can add a spoon of milk or water.
In a little water or milk, dissolve the baking soda, then stir into the cookie batter.
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, separating cookies a bit.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned on the edges.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Emily Donelson - Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sarah Jackson - Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Rachel Jackson - The Heritage Collection, Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Andrew Jackson - Ralph E. W. Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Miniatures of Rachel and Andrew Jackson - Ralph E. W. Earl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Angelica Singleton Van Buren

6/3/2025

Angelica and Apple Pie Cookies

Angelica Singleton Van Buren*

President Martin Van Buren*

Acting First Lady Angelica - President Martin Van Buren's Daughter-in-Law
Acting First Lady from - 1838 - 1841
Quote from Angelica - Angelica asked her mother for advice and recipes! She wrote to her mother: "I want to get you to have your Recipe book copied in full and all your little stray recipes which you know to be good."
Factoid - Angelica met her husband, Abraham, the oldest son of President Martin Van Buren, through her cousin, famous First Lady Dolley Madison.
Bio -

Martin's late wife was Hannah Hoes Van Buren. Martin and Hannah had known each other since childhood and were distant cousins. Hannah died of tuberculosis in 1819, seventeen years before Martin became President.
Since President Van Buren was a widower when he became President, his daughter-in-law, Angelica, assumed First Lady duties. Angelica married Martin's oldest son, Abraham, in 1838. She was Dolley Madison's cousin and received much help in her hosting duties.
Angelica, an heiress, was well-educated, vivacious, and known for her chin-length signature curls and beauty. Born to a very wealthy family, she was also well-versed in society norms of the times, a skill that helped her as Acting First Lady.
Angelica, at 20, was the youngest woman to fill the role of Acting First Lady. Angelica captured the hearts of Washington when she singly hosted her first event, the 1839 New Year's Day Reception. However, Angelica's popularity was up and down; the following year her style change to more formal and wasn't appreciated by all. It wasn't a bad change, Angelica established a dignity and sophistication for future First Ladies.

About Martin - Martin Van Buren struggled with a severe economic downturn known as the Panic of 1837 during his presidency. He promoted limited government and opposed the expansion of slavery, but his economic policies were widely criticized. Van Buren failed in his bid for re-election.

Apple Pie Cookies

President Van Buren liked simple food and his love for fruit and especially apples, was well-known. I could not find a cookie recipe for him; Angelica prepared apple cakes for him. He would have loved these Apple Pie Cookies! Makes 12.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons salted butter
2 apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons apple juice or water
1 tablesoon cornstarch
1 (14-oz.) package refrigerated pie dough (2 crusts)
For Icing -
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream

Steps

Melt butter over medium heat and add the diced apples. Cook until the apples are a bit soft.
In a cup, stir together apple juice and cornstarch. Set aside.
Lower heat a little and add the brown sugar, juice of 1/2 lemon, and cinnamon, stirring and simmering for about 3 minutes until the liquid starts to reduce. Add the cornstarch and stir until all has thickened. Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or 3-inch diameter glass rim to cut 12 circles. Arrange them on the cookie sheet. Take the leftover scraps of dough and roll them out to cut two more 3-inch circles.
Roll out the second piece of pie dough into another 12-inch round. Cut this one into 1/2-inch wide lattice strips for cookies. Then cut into 4-inch pieces.
Spoon out 1 tablespoon of the apple mix into the center of each cookie circle. Then place 3 strips of dough sideways on top and 2 strips going up and down. (see photo) You can weave them, if you wish. Trim the edges and and seal edges by pressing together with a fork.
Bake in preheated 350° F oven for 18 - 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Stir together the powdered sugar and cream for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Angelica Van Buren - Henry Inman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Martin Van Buren - Henry Inman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Anna and Jane Harrison

6/2/2025

Anna and Harrison Cookies

Anna Harrison*

Jane Findlay Harrison*

President William Henry Harrison*

Anna, Jane, and President William Henry Harrison
Anna Symmes Harrison
Quote from Anna - "I wish that my husband's friends had left him where he is, happy and contented in retirement." (after learning of her husband's victory in the 1840 election)
Time of Service - March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841
Factoids -

Anna was First Lady for the shortest time in history. William died just 31 days after becoming President. Anna, who was ill at the time and recuperating in Ohio, never lived in the White House.
At age 65, Anna Harrison was the oldest woman to be First Lady.

Bio -
Anna was one of the first First Ladies to receive a formal and extensive education. She and William had 10 children together. While William was boosting his political career, Anna, an incredible pioneer woman, homeschooled the children and managed their home on 169 acres in the wilderness. Anna never wanted William to become President. She was ill when it was time to move to the White House and stayed behind to recover. She sent her Anna sent her daughter-in-law, Jane Harrison, to act as First Lady. Sadly, before she could get to Washington, William died after 30 days as President.
Jane Findlay Irwin Harrison
Time of Service - March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841
Bio -
Jane Irwin Harrison married Anna and William's son, William Jr. They had two children together. When her husband died, Jane moved in with her in-laws, Anna and William. Since Anna was ill at the time of the Presidential Inauguration, Jane travelled to Washington with her father-in-law and acted as First Lady.
Although she was only Acting First Lady for a month, she became popular for her hosting at White House receptions and events. Only a month after inauguration, President Harrison died.

About William - William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidency in U.S. history, dying with pneumonia only 31 days after his inauguration. He was a hero of the War of 1812 and won the election with the slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too."

Harrison Cookies

Food Legend has that Harrison Cakes were created during William's presidential campaign in 1840. The cake became very popular, with recipes circulated in newspapers and between cooks. These cookies are a modern take on Harrison Cakes. Makes 3 dozen small cookies.

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened at room temp
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 egg, room temperature - slightly beaten
1/4 cup molasses
2 & 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 & 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 & 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup sugar for coating

Steps

Preheat oven to 375° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
In a bowl, stir together the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in molasses, then add in egg and mix.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed.
With clean hands or a large spoon, make dough balls about 1 & 1/2 tablespoon size. Roll in the granulated sugar and put on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing apart.
Press dough balls with your hand or the bottom of a drinking glass to flatten out on top a little.
Bake at 375° F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool a few minutes on the cookie sheets, then finish cooling on a wire rack.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Anna Harrison - Unknown Creater, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jane Harrison - Unidentified artist, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; gift of Barbara B. Rose, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
William Henry Harrison - Albert Gallatin Hoit, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

LetiTia, Priscilla, and Julia Tyler

6/1/2025

Letitia and Tippecanoe and Tyler Too Cookies

Letitia and President John Tyler

Letitia Christian Tyler
First Lady 1941 -1842
Factoid - Letitia was the 1st First Lady to die in the White House.

Bio - Letitia was not formally educated, but she grew up on a large plantation and gained skills of land management and family care. During their married life, Letitia and John Tyler raised seven children, but her life took a turn when she suffered a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair. Vice President John Tyler became president after President Harrison died after only a month in office. Letitia moved into the White House, bit sadly, after about 10 months, had another stroke and died.

Priscilla Cooper Tyler*
Acting First Lady - 1841 - 1843
Priscilla was the daughter-in-law of Letitia and John. Because of Letitia's stroke, Priscilla helped her father-in-law with his presidential campaign and then assumed First Lady hosting duties during the first three years that John was President. Priscilla grew up with a famous father actor and an heiress mother. They suffered major financial losses and made money from acting in plays. At one play, an audience member, Robert Tyler (son of John and Letitia), came backstage to meet Priscilla. They soon married and Priscilla was a favorite of her in-laws and of Washington. Priscilla hosted famous guests such as Charles Dickens. She also started the tradition of Marine Band Concerts in the summer on the White House lawn.

Letty Tyler Semple*
Acting First Lady - March - June 1844
When Priscilla and her husband moved to Philadelphia in 1844, Letitia and John's daughter, "Letty" took over First Lady hosting duties. She helped Priscilla with hosting, so she was able to step right into the role, including two dinners a week for about forty guests!
Letty did not approve of her father's marriage to Julia Gardiner, a woman her own age. She moved from the White House.

Julia Gardnier Tyler*

First Lady Julia Gardnier Tyler
First Lady from - June 26, 1844 - March 4, 1845
Quotes from Julia -

"I very well know every eye is upon me, my dear mother, and I will behave accordingly."
"This winter I intend to do something in the way of entertaining that shall be the admiration and talk of the Washington world."

Factoids -

Julia Tyler became the first wife of a president to be photographed.
Julia was the first to encourage "Hail to the Chief" to be played for the President.

President John Tyler*

Bio -

Julia was born to a wealthy New York family. She always marched to her own drummer, shocking some by posing as a model for a department store ad. Her parents took her to Europe to avoid scandal, where she proceeded to have romantic affairs with members of nobility in several countries!
Initially, Julia was interested in John's son, John Jr. However, that changed and at 20 years younger than the President, Julia became First Lady.
Julia's bold and self confident attitude was different. Julia was very popular and a celebrity with the public. She believed that women were not the weaker sex and refused to behave as such. Although she was only First Lady for a short time, she made was not shy. She called herself "Queen Julia" and if anyone was critical of her, she retaliated by writing articles against them with a pen name! Her popularity even helped President Tyler annex Texas.
John and Julia had seven children and a happy marriage. After John's death, she was able to convince Congress to give her a Widow's Pension, which would help future First Ladies, as well.

About John - John Tyler became President upon William Harrison's death, setting the precedent that vice presidents fully assume the Presidency. He often argued with his own Whig Party and was eventually expelled from it. John signed the Treaty with China that opened trade in the Far East and supported the annexation of Texas, which set the stage for the Mexican-American War.

Tippecanoe and Tyler Too Cookies

When Benjamin Harrison and John Tyler ran against Martin Van Buren, their campaign slogan was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too". Tippecanoe was the nickname for Harrison after he helped seure the Northwest Territory. Their campaign also had symbols such as hard cider, to get the working-class votes. Harrison Cakes, made with cider, became very popular and recipes appeared in newspapers. These cookies are like the Harrison Cake, but in cookie form.

Ingredients
2 dozen cookies
2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar + 2 tablespoons sugar (divided)
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon water

Steps

Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing of lining with parchment paper.
Put 2 tablespoons of sugar in a saucer and put aside.
In a bowl, sift or whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, molasses, and water.
Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until combined.
With clean hands dusted with flour or greased with butter, make 24 dough balls (walnut-sized). Roll dough balls in the saucer of sugar and place 2-inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. With the back of a spoon, flatten dough balls just a little bit.
Bake at 350° F for 8 -10 minutes. When done, cool cookies on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes, then finish cooling on a wire rack.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Letitia Tyler - George Bagby Matthews, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; gift of Letitia C. Arant, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Julia Tyler - Portrait - Francesco Anelli, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Priscilla Tyler - Artist Unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
John Tyler - George Peter Alexander Healy painting, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sarah Childress Polk

5/31/2025

Sarah and Pecan Macaroon Cookies

First Lady Sarah and President James Polk

Sarah Childress Polk*

President James Polk*

First Lady 1845 - 1849
Factoids -

Sarah refused to let people dance at the White House. She believed it to be undignified and disrespectful.
During Sarah's time as First Lady, gas pipes were installed at the White House, providing heat and light!

Bio -

Sarah Polk came from a wealthy family in Tennessee. She was well-educated and paid close attention to the politicians ever present in the family home. Sarah married James Polk and soon after, he was elected to Congress and served for 14 years. Sarah gained a wealth of experience hosting political dinners and events. The couple never had children, so Sarah devoted her attention to being the best hostess and furthering her husband's career. She was his secretary, advisor, and active in his political campaigns.
When James was elected President, Sarah concentrated on First Lady duties. She held weekly receptions at the White House, but stopped the tradition of refreshments - and no hard liquor or dancing!
Sarah also continued to be involved in politics in the White House. Quite often, behind closed doors, Sarah negotiated with politicians, furthering James's policies. She was a powerhouse!

About James - James was the 11th President. His timeline includes important events such as the California Gold Rush. James oversaw territorial expansion through the Mexican-American War. He served during the Mexican War and added the states of Texas and California to the United States territory.

Pecan Macaroon Cookies

Food legend declares that Sarah Polk was a fine cook. Hickory nuts were popular and plentiful at that time and she made cakes and cookies with them. Since hickory nuts are a little like pecans, this modern cookie version contains pecans instead. These remind me of Divinity Candy!!

Yield - 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients
3 cups pecans
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 egg whites, slightly beaten, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps
I made these in the food processor, but if you don't have one, simple chop pecans by hand and use a mixer.

Preheat oven to 325° F. Prepare 2 cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Grind the pecans in the food processor for about a minute.
Pour in sugar and keep processing until nuts are finely ground.
Add egg whites, salt, and vanilla; process until the dough begins to form a ball.
With clean hands, make balls about 2-teaspoonful. Put an inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool a bit before serving.

Recipe Card

Portrait Credits*
Sarah Polk - Portrait - George Dury, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons;
James Polk - George Peter Alexander Healy, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift from the Trustees of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Public domain

Margaret Taylor and Betty Dandridge

5/27/2025

Margaret "Peggy" Taylor, Betty Dandridge, and Calas Rice Fritters

Margaret "Peggy" Smith Taylor*

Betty Taylor Bliss Dandridge*

President Zachary Taylor*

Margaret, Betty, and President William Henry Harrison

Margaret (Peggy) Smith Taylor
First Lady - March 4, 1849 - July 9, 1850
Factoids -

Peggy died just a few blocks from the home where I grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Zachary and Peggy maintained a summer home on the beachfront in Pascagoula.
After participating in Fourth of July festivities on a blistering hot day, Taylor ate a large bowl of cherries and a pitcher of iced milk and later fell ill with a terrible stomach ache. Five days later, he was dead.

Bio -

Margaret (Peggy) Smith grew up wealthy in Maryland. She married Zachary Taylor when he was a lieutenant in the army. Peggy spent her early married life traveling between military campsites the wilderness. She gave birth to seven children, four of whom survived.
When Zachary was elected President, Peggy rarely left the family's private quarters in the White House. She was an extremely private person, often even refusing to have her portrait painted or herself photographed. From the private quarters, Peggy managed the White House staff, but had nothing to do with social duties. She left that job to her daughter, Betty Bliss, who assumed hostessing duties for all of the Taylor presidency. Zachary never criticized his wife for her choices, seemingly satisfied that she had followed him all over the wilderness in his military campaigns. He's quoted as saying, "My wife was as much of a soldier as I was."
Zachary died after eating a bowl of cherries at a 4th of July celebration and Peggy was never the same. Not much is known about her, because of her privacy and the fact that the Taylor family's correspondence was burned during the Civil War.

Betty Taylor Bliss Dandridge
Acting First Lady - March 4, 1849 - July 9, 1850
Betty's mother, First Lady, Peggy Taylor, declined to serve as hostess to any social events at the White House. Instead, she assigned those duties to her daughter Betty. Betty was 24 and just married when her father became President. She and her husband moved into the White House, so that Betty could host. The public loved "Miss Betty" for her conversational skills, keen sense of humor, and attitude.

About Zachary - Zachary Taylor was a celebrated general from the Mexican-American War who became President with no political experience. Although he was a slaveholder, he opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, which put him at odds with Southern states, which threatened to leave the Union. His presidency was cut short by his sudden death after only 16 months in office.

A Little History of Calas Rice Fritters

Zachary Taylor owned land in Louisiana in the 1820s and 1830s and commanded Army garrisons in New Orleans, before he was President. During this time, he established a love for Creole Cuisine and Calas, a sweet rice fritter usually made from left-over rice.
Calas have been a tradition in New Orleans and southern Louisiana since the 1700s, when enslaved Africans introduced a different method of cooking rice. Instead of the sticky and runny consistency used by others at the time, the new way had separated grains and was drier. This little-known culinary contribution opened the door for complete change in many dishes and introduction of new ones!
A 1653 French recipe, beignets de riz (beignets of rice) hints at French influence and their ties to another French Quarter tradition, beignets, which are made from flour instead of rice. Calas became so popular in the 1800s that Black women sold them in the New Orleans French Quarter, singing a song and chanting, "Calas, belles calas!" and "Bel calas tout chauds!" (Calas, beautiful Calas / Beautiful calas, still hot)
Over time, flour-based beignets have become more popular, but many homes still cook the traditional calas with leftover rice. When I was a little girl, we'd go to New Orleans to visit Aunt Annie Belle and Uncle Jimmy. Uncle Jimmy fried up a batch of Calas and we'd eat them sitting on the front steps, powdered sugar exploding all over us!

Calas Rice Fritters