The thirty-fifth president brought a young family to the White House.
Historical reconstruction
The JFK Library records Kennedy’s liking for chocolate desserts. These fudgy brownies interpret that taste as a convenient home bake, with small squares and a soft middle.
The president & the table
The JFK Library describes Kennedy as particularly fond of New England fish chowder. Its account presents a light lunchtime pattern of soup, sandwich and fruit, and also records his liking for seafood and chocolate desserts.
Behind this story
JFK Library, “President Kennedy’s Favorite Foods”; family recollections.
APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.
Make it at home.
Our home adaptation · Makes 12 squares · Not yet kitchen-tested
What you’ll need
Let’s make it
Heat the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Line a 20 cm / 8 in square tin.
Melt chocolate and butter gently; cool slightly. Whisk in sugar, then eggs and vanilla.
Fold in flour, cocoa and salt just until combined. Spread into the tin.
Bake for 22–28 minutes until edges set and a skewer has moist crumbs, not liquid batter. Cool completely before cutting.
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.
