14 Famous Recipes That Come From Presidents and First Ladies

The Reddit-Famous Jimmy Carter Cookies

Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before he was president, so it’s no surprise that he perfected a peanut butter cookie recipe that now has something of a cult following on Reddit. Start by creaming butter with sugar, then follow with eggs and vanilla before folding in your flour mixture, rolled oats, and salted peanuts. The result is a homemade, irresistible peanut butter cookie of presidential renown.

Rosalynn Carter’s Strawberry Cake

First Lady Rosalynn Carter also had a knack for baking, and it shows in her beloved Strawberry Cake. The recipe, which uses a box of cake mix and a package of strawberry Jell-O, reminds us of the classic strawberry cakes found in grandma’s recipe box. Originally shared by the U.S. National Archives, this recipe is perfect for both summer gatherings and the holiday season.

John F. Kennedy’s Favorite 4-Ingredient ‘Puree Mongol Soup’

“Kennedy had a habit of mixing different soups together to create his own concoctions,” says Editor Annie Campbell. “And one of his favorites was a lesser-known dish called Purée Mongol Soup.” But what exactly is Purée Mongol Soup? The dish is a variation of Purée Mongole, a French creation that uses fresh peas and tomatoes. Kennedy’s take used canned peas and tomatoes, water, milk, and curry powder. It’s a thin, easy-to-prepare soup that’s also surprisingly filling.

Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Corn Dodgers

You’ll find in the history books a small snack that Abraham Lincoln would carry in his pockets while working on his family farm. That snack is called a Corn Dodger, a rustic take on corn cakes made from a simple cornmeal dough. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be eaten as a savory complement to gumbo or a sweet snack with a little honey.

President Ford’s Braised Eye Round Steak

Eye of round steak is a very lean cut of meat that comes from the upper hind leg of a cow. It’s not most people’s first choice of beef when making a steak, but it was one of President Ford’s favorite meals.

In this recipe, the steak is seasoned with salt, thyme, and a dusting of flour, then cooked in a mixture of red wine and beef consommé. The result is a savory, rich meal that ends up more tender than most steaks of its kind.

Eisenhower Steak

Several presidents were fans of steaks, and Dwight D. Eisenhower was no different. But he had his own special technique for making the best version, as befitting a native-born Texan. Eisenhower cooked his steaks straight on hot coals, but there are a few tricks behind the method. To produce the right heat source, make a bed of two to three inches of hot coals. Use lump charcoal, not briquettes, which produce too much ash. A thick-cut, bone-in steak, like a Tomahawk or porterhouse, makes a great choice of meat to use. The last requirement? Make sure to have fun.

Lady Bird Johnson’s 6-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Lemon squares need no introduction. If you need a simple dessert that everyone is bound to love, this sweet treat is one of the best options. Even if someone isn’t a lemon fan, they might become one after they try Lady Bird Johnson’s recipe. There are only six ingredients—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and lemons—and the simple preparation lets the tart, zesty flavors shine.

Lady Bird Johnson’s Cheddar Wafers

Have you ever thought about pairing crispy rice cereal with Cheddar cheese? Lady Bird Johnson did, and she enjoyed plenty of success among her family and friends. Considered a staple on her ranch, this snack was whipped up for almost any occasion.

The recipe combines butter with flour, cayenne pepper, salt, and Cheddar cheese before folding in crispy rice cereal. Then it’s baked in the oven for a crispy, cheesy snack that you’ll want to make again and again, just like the First Lady did.

Laura Bush’s Famous Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies, also called Ranger Cookies, come from exactly where you would guess: Laura Bush’s home state of Texas. Her recipe is officially titled “Texas Governor’s House Cowboy Cookies,” and it has a few key characteristics that make her cookies different—and better—than the classics.

They start with an oatmeal base but are stepped up with the addition of chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut—plus a little cinnamon for a cozy finish. They’re so good, they won her the First Lady Bake-Off in 2000.

John F. Kennedy’s Favorite Breakfast

John F. Kennedy’s everyday breakfast is less of a recipe and more of a lifestyle. He started his day with a hearty selection of classic staples. His routine meal consisted of eggs, served alongside toast with marmalade and butter, crispy bacon broiled in the oven, a glass of orange juice, and a coffee. He stuck to this menu daily without much wavering. As they say, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche

Jackie Kennedy always held a deep appreciation for French cooking after studying in the country, and this casserole pays homage to that love. While this may be a French recipe, the process is simple and the flavors are cozy.

Casserole Marie Blanche is a classic egg noodle dish made with cottage cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives. Once baked, this dish becomes a rich, satisfying meal that could grace a White House dining table.

Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Vanilla Almond Delight

Abraham Lincoln’s favorite cake was one Mary Todd Lincoln first made for him before they were married. After trying it, Lincoln declared it “the best in Kentucky.” That cake is none other than a Vanilla Almond Cake, which boasts a soft texture and nutty flavor. The cherry on top is a fluffy white frosting that rounds out all the flavors. If you want to bake a piece of history at home, this recipe is for you.

Michelle Obama’s White Bean Salad

When people think of bean salads, a crunchier texture probably doesn’t come to mind. But that’s how Michelle Obama’s white bean salad turns out, thanks to all the seasonal spring ingredients this recipe uses. Radishes and peas offer a light, crunchy texture to pair with seasoned cannellini beans, chives, fresh basil, and an irresistible dressing made from olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and chopped shallots. Trust us, this salad will have everyone raving.

Rosalynn Carter’s ‘Plains Special’ Cheese Ring

Rosalynn Carter knew how to make an appetizer, and one recipe that received lots of acclaim was a popular dish during the 1970s and 1980s. The recipe is a no-bake cheese ring perfect for parties and potlucks.

Grab your ring mold from the back of your cabinet and mix up this classic vintage appetizer. Mix together cheese, nuts, mayonnaise, onion, and peppers before chilling in the fridge until firm. The result is a spreadable, delectably cheesy dish that will get the festivities going.