A central figure in the making of the Constitution and the fourth president.
Family or White House tradition
Madison household accounts describe ham or salt fish with bread and butter at breakfast. A browned ham steak with toast makes that everyday combination practical in twenty minutes.
The president & the table
Accounts of James and Dolley Madison’s household describe breakfast around nine: ham or salt fish, bread and butter, and coffee or tea. Their coffee habit continued in the White House. It is a useful reminder that a famous hostess’s table also had a daily working rhythm.
Behind this story
Madison household breakfast accounts and Dolley Madison culinary tradition.
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.
