Nancy Davis Reagan

Nancy and Coconut Macaroons

---

Jump to Recipe

First Ladies - 1900 to 2000

Nancy Davis Reagan*

President Ronald Reagan*

Ronald and Nancy Reagan*
​

First Lady Nancy and President Ronald Reagan
First Lady - 1981 - 1989
Quotes from Nancy -

• When asked if she ever gave the President advice: “You bet I did...For eight years, I was sleeping with the President. And if that doesn't give you special access, I don't know what does.”
• “Nothing can prepare you for living in the White House—and nothing can prepare you for leaving it.”
• “I am a big believer that eventually everything comes back to you. You get back what you give out.”

​Factoid - Nancy Reagan was the first actress to become First Lady.
Bio -

• ​Anne Frances was nicknamed “Nancy” by her mother.  Nancy was raised by her mother, an actress and her aunt and uncle for much of her young life.  When her mother married Loyal Davis, a wealthy surgeon, he adopted Nancy and she took his last name. 
• Nancy went to Smith College and majored in drama.  After graduation, her mother’s contacts helped her get a jobs, eventually ending with Nancy acting on Broadway.  From there, Nancy worked in Hollywood, making 11 movies, including starring with Ronald Reagan in “Hellcats of the Navy”.  The stars were married in 1952 and she was forever after his advisor and protector during his political career from Governor of California to President.
• As First Lady, Nancy began the “Just Say No” drug education program for school students.  She also lent her support to the Anti-Drug Abuse Act.  Nancy spoke to the United Nations on the dangers of drug trafficking. 
• Nancy was different from several of the First Ladies who came before her, as she seemed less liberated and more dedicated to being a wife in a traditional marriage.  Nancy was, however, working behind the scenes in a political way.  She fired Ronald’s Chief of Staff, as well as other cabinet members.   
• Nancy's dedication to Ronald stood out later on, as she became Ronald’s caretaker during his Alzheimer’s disease.

About Ronald - ​Ronald Reagan, as 40th President,  began an economic policy called "Reaganomics", which sought to reduce taxes and government spending.  He strengthened the military and engaged in diplomacy that helped to end the Cold War and prompt the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Ronald's optimistic style and communication skills made him a transformative political figure. He brought national pride back to the country and even survived an assassin's bullet. 

---

Coconut Macaroons

Nancy Reagan’s Macaroons (from Ladies Home Journal 1982 Cookie Book)

Ingredients
2 egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1 dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pack Shredded coconut; (7-oz) 
Steps

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with foil.
2. In medium bowl, beat egg whites, sugar, salt and vanilla.
3. Add flour and blend well. Fold in coconut. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet 1-inch apart.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet. Remove and store tightly.

---

Portrait Credits*
Nancy Reagan - Portrait - Official White House photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Nancy and Ron by tree - Reagan White House Photographs, White House Photographic Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
​Ronald Reagan - Pete Souza - Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons