The eleventh president served a single term during a period of major territorial expansion.
Documented meal / preference
Broiled ham was the familiar food Polk requested alongside corn-bread in New Orleans. Brief high heat browns a fully cooked ham steak; the bread can be prepared while it warms.
The president & the table
During a visit to New Orleans, Polk encountered elaborate French cooking and asked a servant for corn-bread and broiled ham instead. His diary account gives this preference an unusually clear voice: the traveller wanted familiar food even when something more fashionable was on offer.
Behind this story
Polk’s New Orleans diary episode; The Presidents’ Cookbook, Polk chapter.
APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.
Make it at home.
Our home adaptation · Serves 2 · Not yet kitchen-tested
What you’ll need
Let’s make it
Heat the broiler / overhead grill to medium-high. Lightly oil a shallow tray.
Put the fully cooked ham steaks on the tray. Broil for 3–5 minutes per side until hot through and lightly browned, following the package reheating instructions. Watch closely.
Toast the bread and spread with butter.
Serve the ham immediately with toast and a little pepper. Skip extra salt.
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.
