The fortieth president came to politics after a film and broadcasting career.
Family or White House tradition
Brownies are among the desserts named by the Reagan Library. This home recipe keeps the centre fudgy and lets the slab cool before cutting clean squares.
The president & the table
The Reagan Library’s favourite-food list includes macaroni and cheese, grilled hamburgers and brownies. That gives this menu unusually direct support for all three choices. The familiar jelly beans are only one small part of a broader appetite for American home food.
Behind this story
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, “Facts about Ronald Reagan,” favourite foods and desserts.
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.
