Edith and Sagamore Hill Sand Tarts

About Teddy - Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th president after the assassination of William McKinley.  He  quickly established himself as a progressive reformer.  Teddy championed the "Square Deal" domestic program, emphasizing conservation and labor rights. Internationally, he expanded U.S. influence through the Panama Canal and he won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War.

Teddy had a voracious appetite.  He loved coffee and reportedly drank it in large cups with up to 7 lumps of sugar!  He was known to eat huge quantities of food on occasion.  These Sand Tarts were a favorite of Teddy's.  Edith wrote on the inside cover of one of her cookbooks.  Sand Tarts were often served to guests at the Roosevelt's private home, Sagamore Hill. 

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare cookie sheet by greasing.
2. Cream butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and cream until light and fluffy.
3. Add two of the eggs, one by one, beating after each addition. Separate the third egg, reserve the egg white, and add the yolk to the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla.
4. Add the flour and stir until well incorporated, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
5. Roll out the dough thin, 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch thick. Cut in 2 & 1/2-inch rounds.
6. Brush the cookies with the reserved egg white and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes.

Portrait Credits*
Edith Roosevelt -Sepia photo - Schloss, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; On bench - Theobald Chartran, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Theodore Roosevelt - John Singer Sargent, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Nellie and Salted Almond Cookies

Milk and Cookies!  William and Nellie had their own source of fresh milk from a dairy cow named Pauline Wayne,  living on the White House lawn.  Pauline was much loved by the public and the New York Times announced her retirement to a farm in Wisconsin at the end of the President's term.

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the almond butter, sugar, and egg together until smooth. 
3. Use a tablespoon to scoop heaping spoonfuls of dough and drop them onto the cookie sheet, about 1 & 1/2 -inches apart.  Sprinkle with flaky salt and freeze for about 15 minutes.  
4. Bake for about 14 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the edges are just starting to brown and the tops are crackly.
5. Let cool on cookie sheet about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. 

Portrait Credits*
Helen Nellie Taft - Artist, Karl Bror Albert Kronstrand, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Willliam Howard Taft - Anders Zorn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ellen, Peggy, Edith, and Tea Cakes

Ellen Wilson
First Lady - March 4, 1913 - August 6, 1914
Quote from Ellen - "I am naturally the most unambitious of women and life in the White House has no attractions for me."
Factoid - Ellen designed the first Rose Garden on the White House grounds.
Bio -

• Ellen Axson Wilson was born in Georgia and met Woodrow Wilson when he was six and she was a baby!  She studied art and landscape painting for years. When Woodrow was a young lawyer, he met Ellen again and they were married.  For a time, she taught art at Bryn Mawr College and Wilson was a professor at Princeton. Before she became First Lady, she had an art show of 50 landscapes, donating the proceeds to charity.
  
• Ellen used her short time in the White House to campaign for the arts, education, social causes, and children. She also worked to clean up housing for African-Americans in Washington, D.C. and establish better living conditions. Sadly, Ellen's time as First Lady was cut short by her death to Bright's Disease in 1914.  Her last hope was that Wilson would marry again.

Margaret Peggy Wilson
Acting First Lady - August 6, 1914 to December 18, 1915
Quote from Peggy - "It is certainly for the soul a return to the point of departure. I am persuaded that in the new life, one lives consciously in God and need to search nowhere."
Factoid - Later in life, Peggy traveled to India on a spiritual journey.  Once there, she joined an ashram and practiced both yoga and meditation.
Bio - Margaret Woodrow Wilson took over as Acting First Lady when her mother, Ellen, passed away.  During her time in the White House, she was active in the Women's Suffragette Movement.  Peggy was also very musical, a pianist and a soprano; she made a recording of "The Star Spangled Banner".  She continued her hosting duties until Woodrow remarried in 1915.

Edith Boling Wilson
First Lady - December 18 - 2015 - March 4, 1921
Quote from Edith - "I myself never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs.  The only decision that was mine was:  when to present matters to my husband."
Factoids -

• Edith's heritage dated back to Pocahontas, the Native American who married into the English Settlement at Jamestown.

Bio -

• Edith was born in Virginia and lived near Washington, D.C for a good part of her life, although she did not care to get involved in the political scene.  Edith’s first husband was an heir, who left her wealthy after his death. As a widow, Edith met Woodrow Wilson through a visit with his cousin to the White House.  As love legend goes, Woodrow watched the elevator doors open and saw Edith.  The rest was history!  Edith charmed Woodrow with her vivacious personality and after a short courtship, they were married.
• Edith often gave Woodrow political advice, even on confidential matters.  When World War I started, Edith immediately went into service with the Red Cross, handing our food to soldiers leaving for the battlefields of Europe.  The stress of the War resulted in Woodrow suffering a stroke.  While he healed, Edith took over many presidential duties, earning her the nickname - the Secret President.

Tea Cakes are classic Southern recipe.  Kinda like a cookie, kinda like a cake!  Many families pass their recipes down through generations. This recipe was inspired by one from  my Aunt Bernice of Natchez, Mississippi.

Steps

1. In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.  
2. In a separate bowl, beat together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and mix.  Next add the vanilla extract.
3. With mixer on low, gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.  Cover the bowl with a clean dishtowel or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Prepare cookie sheets by greasing on lining with parchment paper.
5. With clean hands and a tablespoon, scoop dough into 2-tablespoon sized portions and roll into balls.
6. Put balls 3-inches apart on the cookie sheets. 
7. Bake in preheated oven one batch at a time for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown around the edges and set well in middle.  Keep the 2nd batch in the refrigerator until ready to bake.  Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes or so.

Portrait Credits*
Ellen Wilson - Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Margaret Wilson (daughter) - headshot - Photographer Jane Reece, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Edith Bolling Wilson - hands behind back - Harris & Ewing, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Woodrow Wilson - Stephen Seymour Thomas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Florence and Almond Sugary Cookies

About Warren - Warren Harding was the 29th President. He campaigned on a "return to normalcy" following World War I and focused on pro-business policies. During his presidency, women were given the right to vote under the 19th Amendment. Prohibition era began with the sale and manufacture of alcoholic liquor outlawed.  Unfortunately the increase  of illegal bars, home-produced alcohol, and gangsters followed.  Warren died suddenly in office in 1923, leaving Calvin Coolidge as his successor.

Almond cookies were very popular during Warren Harding's Presidency.  World War I ended and the White House was opened again to the public and to many social events. The food was plentiful and Almond Cookies were served, as a favorite of Warren's. 

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare cookie sheet by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and baking soda.  Set aside. 
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract.
4. Gradually add in the flour mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Scoop up dough into balls of about 1 tablespoon.  Roll into sliced almonds, if using. 
6. Place the cookie balls on the prepared cookie sheet and  bake for 11 minutes. Cool on a rack before serving.

Portrait Credits*
Florence Harding - Oil painting - Artist - Philip de László, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; movie camera - National Photo Company collection at the Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Warren G. Harding - National Photo Company Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Grace and Maple Walnut Cookies

About Calvin - Calvin Coolidge, as 30th President, emphasized limited government and led the nation in a period of economic prosperity known as the "Roaring Twenties." He restored public trust and cut taxes while maintaining a budget surplus. During Calvin's Presidency, Lindbergh made the first transatlantic flight and Congress gave indigenous people the right to vote. Quiet and reserved, he chose not to seek re-election in 1928.

Grace Coolidge was from Vermont, so some of her favorite foods contained maple syrup!  During the1920s, maple syrup was an excellent method of sweetening desserts.

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Prepare cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Mix together butter, both sugars, eggs, extract, and salt until just combined.
3. Gradually add both flours.  If dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.  Stir in walnuts.
4. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto prepared cookie sheets.  Bake one dozen at a time for 10 - 13 minutes, until cookies are puffy and starting to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for cooling.​

Portrait Credits*
Grace Coolidge - oil painting - Philip de Lazlso, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; with Rebecca the raccoon - Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Calvin Coolidge - Joseph E. Burgess, National Portrait Gallery; gift of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lou and Girl Scout Cookies

About Herbert - Herbert Hoover was the 31st President.  His  Presidency was defined by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, which began shortly after he took office. Although he implemented some public works and aid programs, his policies were seen as insufficient and out of touch. He lost his re-election bid due to widespread economic hardship and public dissatisfaction.

Lou was active in the Girl Scouts, acting as their National President, editor of American Girl magazine, and helping to begin what eventually became one of the largest charity fundraising efforts - Girl Scout Cookie sales!  The magazine printed a recipe for Girl Scout Cookies that could be made for 26 cents for 6 dozen and sold for 25 cents a dozen.

Portrait Credits*
Lou Hoover - oil painting artist - Richard Marsden Brown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; on porch - National Photo Company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; girl scout picnic - Harris & Ewing, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Herbert Hoover - Photographer unknown, Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eleanor and Soft Chewy Gingersnaps

About Franklin - Franklin Roosevelt, as 32nd president guided the U.S. through the Great Depression with New Deal programs, which expanded the government's role in the economy.  During Franklin's Presidency, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began the US entry into WWII.  He later guided the U.S. through World War II and established the foundation for the postwar international order.  Franklin was elected to four terms; he died in office in 1945.

Eleanor Roosevelt didn't spend much time in the kitchen, but this recipe was a favorite of hers.  She often served them to reporters at the White House, while insisting that the reporter pool included women reporters!

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper.  Do NOT grease.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.  Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. With clean hands, roll cookie dough into 1 &1/2-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Place 2-inches apart on un-greased baking sheets.
5. Bake 10 – 12 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 2 & 1/2 dozen.

Portrait Credits*
Eleanor Roosevelt - White House Portrait - Douglas Chandor, Public domain, via Wikimedia; Eleanor and Falla - National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Franklin D. Roosevelt - Henry Salem Hubbel, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; transfer from the Smithsonian American Art Museum; gift of Willard Hubbell, 1964, Public domain

Bess and Brownies

About Harry - Harry Truman was the 33rd president.  Harry made the difficult decision to use atomic bombs on Japan, ending World War II five days later. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and helped establish NATO during the early Cold War with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he promoted civil rights and weathered the Korean War and labor unrest.

Bess was known for her recipes; many of the handwritten ones area still around!  We're breaking with our COOKIE recipes for this one - but brownies are really just bar cookies, right?  Bess's recipe instructions simply said, "Bake at 350 degrees."  We've added a few more details to the steps.

Steps

1. Preheat oven 350° F.  Prepare a Pyrex or other 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Melt chocolate in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.  Cool for about 5 minutes, then add to butter mixture.
4. Mix in the eggs, one at a time.  Mix in vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt; stir in chopped nuts. 
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating just to combine.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake for 45 minutes at 350 F.  
8. Bake for 45 minutes.  Let cool before cutting into squares.

Portrait Credits*
Elizabeth (Bess) Truman - oil painting - Greta Kempton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; fishing - Life of Harry S. Truman Audiovisual Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Harry Truman - Credit: Greta Kempton - Harry S. Truman Library & Museum; White House Photo Office, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

About Dwight (Ike) - Dwight Eisenhower, as 34th president, oversaw many important events in America's history.  Dwight helped end the Korean War, while maintaining a strong economy, the construction of interstate highways, and the establishment of NASA.  He worked with a campaign to secure the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, helping to make racial segregation in schools unconstitutional.  He pursued a policy of containment against communism while avoiding direct military confrontation. 

The Eisenhowers were very family-oriented.  Ike was a great cook and enjoyed it as one of his favorite hobbies.  Mamie was well-known for donating many of her recipes to church cookbooks and cookbooks for other organizations.  Her most favorite was her 'Million Dollar Fudge", but her Chocolate Marble Cookies were also popular.  

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips.  Stir in the cups chopped pecans.  Set aside.
3. Cream 1 pound of butter.  Add gradually 1 1/3 cups sugar. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla.
4. Whisk 4 cups of flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Add gradually to the butter mixture.
5. Add chocolate mixture using a long-pronged fork.  Streak through to marble. Don’t mix too much.
6. Make golf ball size balls. Dip in sugar on one side.  Press one pecan half into the top of the cookie. Put on parchment lined cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 16 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.  

Portrait Credits*
Mamie Eisenhower - oil painting - Thomas E. Stephens, White House Portraits, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; photo in blue dress - White House photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
​Dwight Eisenhower - Harry Warnecke, Robert F. Cranston, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Elsie M. Warnecke, Public domain CC

Jackie and Chocolate Chip Cookies

About John - John Kennedy was the 35th president and inspired a new generation with his call to service: "Ask not what your country dan do for you; ask what you can do for your country."  He  faced early Cold War crises like the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis.  With Martin Luther King, John promoted the Civil Rights movement.  He championed space exploration, launching the Apollo program. His assassination in 1963 shocked the nation and left many of his goals unfinished.

President Kennedy seemed to be unconcerned about eating, often having to be reminded when it was time for meals.  For dessert, if he had it, it would likely be chocolate. 

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy in a stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time until completely blended into the batter.
4. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and add your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt). Continue to mix the batter.
5. Add the remaining items and mix until fully combined.
6. Portion cookies and place 2" apart on a cookie sheet that is greased or lined with baking paper.
7. Bake at 325°F until golden brown.

Portrait Credits*
Jackie Kennedy - Public Domain (official portrait) Shaw, Mark, photographer. First official White House photograph of Mrs. John F. Kennedy 1961
John F. Kennedy - Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston
Jackie, John F., and Caroline - Dell Publishing, 1960. Photograph by Jacques Lowe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons