The sixteenth president led the country through the Civil War.
Family or White House tradition
Accounts of White House cook Cornelia Mitchell connect Lincoln with corn pone and cabbage. Our cornmeal cakes and buttery cabbage make those two humble foods into a cookable plate.
The president & the table
White House accounts of cook Cornelia Mitchell connect Lincoln with corn pone and cabbage. National Park Service research also traces his enthusiasm for gingerbread and ginger crackers. These simple foods offer a more personal route to his table than the elaborate menus served on state occasions.
Behind this story
White House Historical Association on Cornelia Mitchell; National Park Service on Lincoln’s gingerbread; Lincoln family cake tradition.
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
Heat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Lightly grease a baking tray. Mix cornmeal, baking powder and half the salt. Stir in warm water and 2 tablespoons melted butter; rest for 5 minutes.
Shape the soft mixture into 8 small flattened ovals on the tray using damp hands. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set with crisp edges.
Meanwhile, soften onion in the remaining butter for 5 minutes. Add cabbage, remaining salt and 3 tablespoons water. Cover and cook gently for 15–20 minutes until tender.
Season cabbage with pepper. Serve with hot corn pone and the buttery cabbage juices.
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.
