At the table with
Benjamin Harrison.

THE HISTORICAL TABLE

A Christmas turkey from Dolly Johnson’s kitchen

Benjamin Harrison brought cook Dolly Johnson to the White House. The Christmas dinner of 1889 included oysters, turkey, terrapin and festive sweets. It gives us a recorded holiday table and a named cook whose work deserves to be part of the story.

For a smaller household, a turkey breast is easier than a whole bird. Our herb stuffing bakes alongside it, while potatoes catch the roasting juices. Turkey is the historical anchor; the compact cut and separate stuffing make the feast manageable at home.