Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin County, Kentucky. From humble pioneer beginnings, Lincoln rose to become one of America history’s most celebrated presidential leaders. He was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, as the 16th President of the United States. President Lincoln guided our nation through the resolution of the Civil War, and his leadership helped bring an end to slavery. He brought peace to our war-torn nation until his assassination on April 15, 1865.
Lincoln’s Dinner Characteristics
History views President Lincoln as a humble servant to our country who enjoyed simpler things such as reading and writing. He also preferred foods with little or no “frills,” as he would say. The photos of Abraham Lincoln show a man who was tall and slender. One can tell by looking at this lean, hollow-cheeked man that eating was probably not a priority of his. Lincoln was not known for excess and tended to graze at his meals rather than indulge in large portions.
Indifferent Towards Food
Helen Dupre Bullock, Historian of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, wrote, “Authorities agree that Lincoln was indifferent towards food, not particularly knowing or caring what was placed before him, whether it was cold or hot, and even whether he ate it or not. If not reminded of meal times, he forgot them.” Lincoln was usually so preoccupied with problems of politics he gave little thought to food unless faced with it.
Lincoln’s Meal Pattern
Lincoln rarely ate breakfast, usually getting right to the tasks of his day. If he did eat breakfast, he would have an egg, a piece of toast, and coffee. As for lunch, Lincoln often dined on a tray in his office so that he could continue his work. Lunch consisted of “a biscuit, a glass of milk in winter, some fruit or grapes in summer,” wrote John Hay, an aide to President Lincoln. Dinner could be entirely forgotten unless a tray of food was forced on him. President Lincoln did not drink alcohol; instead, he would keep his cup filled with water or occasionally milk.
Lincoln’s Favorites
President Lincoln was fond of certain foods, especially apples. Fruits, nuts, cheese, and crackers were often enjoyed by the president. Some sources note President Lincoln did have two favorite dishes, Chicken Fricassee with Biscuits and Oyster Stew. His preferred dessert was Apple Pie.
Fricassee
In Lincoln’s time, fricassee was a popular way to prepare a meal. Root vegetables, butter, flour, cream, and meat were slowly cooked over the fire in a heavy pot. Tough or not, the meat would tenderize after enough time in the hearth. Today, the slow cooker is used in the same manner.
A classic chicken fricassee hasn’t changed much in the days since Lincoln. Falling in somewhere between a chicken sauté dish and a stew, pieces of chicken are braised in butter before cream and wine or sherry is added. The flavor should come from the chicken itself, while the browning butter brings out its true essence. Some fricassee recipes may call for hints of herbs.
Try sharing this Lincoln chicken favorite with your family and friends as we prepare to celebrate Presidents’ Day this year.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
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