FROM THE FOUNDING TABLE TO YOUR KITCHEN
POTUSPLATETHE PRESIDENTIAL TABLEHISTORY IS SERVED.

PRESIDENT 9 · 1841

At the table with
William Henry Harrison.

The ninth president served the shortest presidency.

Choose a dish ↓
Golden skillet cornbread — a painted table

THE HISTORICAL TABLE

Cornbread on the campaign trail

Harrison’s 1840 campaign turned the log cabin and hard cider into political symbols. Later presidential culinary histories describe supporters being fed cornbread, cheese and cider at campaign gatherings. Food made the candidate’s message something people could share.

This cornbread follows that campaign-table tradition. Bake it in a hot skillet for a crisp crust, then serve it with cheese or a substantial stew. It is a way into the hospitality around Harrison’s candidacy, rather than a meal inferred from his very short presidency.

Behind this story

Poppy Cannon and Patricia Brooks, The Presidents’ Cookbook (1968), Harrison chapter, pp. 162–166.