FROM THE FOUNDING TABLE TO YOUR KITCHEN
POTUSPLATETHE PRESIDENTIAL TABLEHISTORY IS SERVED.
Presidents/Theodore Roosevelt

AT THE TABLE WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Molasses baked beans

Canned beans make this a weekend lunch instead of an overnight project.

Dinner1 hr 20 minServes 4
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Molasses baked beans — the black-and-white years
The black-and-white years · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

Fried chicken and a substantial appetite

More about Theodore Roosevelt →

The twenty-sixth president is closely associated with conservation and an energetic public life.

Historical reconstruction

Molasses baked beans bring another hearty American side to Roosevelt’s table. This is a regional home reconstruction, with canned beans shortening the preparation while a slow bake thickens the sauce.

The president & the table

National Park Service accounts describe Theodore Roosevelt’s enthusiasm for substantial food: bacon, eggs, fried chicken and plenty of coffee. A surviving letter even specifies how he wanted a soft-boiled egg served, in an egg cup. Food details could matter to him as much as quantities.

Behind this story

National Park Service research on Theodore Roosevelt’s food habits and egg letter.

APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.

Make it at home.

Our home adaptation · Serves 4 · Not yet kitchen-tested

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

  1. Heat the oven to 170°C / 340°F. Cook bacon in an ovenproof pot for 5 minutes, then add onion for 5 minutes more.

  2. Stir in beans, molasses, sugar, mustard, vinegar, water and pepper.

  3. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until glossy and thick; add a splash of water if drying out.

  4. Taste before adding salt, since bacon and canned beans vary.

About this home version

A modern home recipe with practical ingredients and measured quantities.

Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.

STAY FOR ANOTHER COURSE

More from this table.