The twentieth president was a teacher, soldier and congressman before the White House.
Historical reconstruction
Garfield family purchase records list ham, sausage, potatoes and cabbage among the Mentor Farm provisions. This supper combines those recorded ingredients into one manageable modern meal.
The president & the table
National Park Service research into Garfield family receipts reveals the everyday provisions at Mentor Farm: ham, sausage, beef, cheese, eggs, potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables. A shopping record gives a different kind of intimacy from a ceremonial menu.
Behind this story
National Park Service research on Garfield family food purchases and receipts at Mentor Farm.
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 200°C / 400°F. Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil, salt and pepper. Roast on a tray for 15 minutes.
Add sausages and roast for 20–25 minutes more, turning once. Pork sausages must reach 71°C / 160°F in the centre.
Meanwhile, soften onion in butter and the remaining oil for 5 minutes. Add cabbage and water, cover and cook gently for 12–15 minutes.
Warm the fully cooked ham according to its package instructions. Serve with sausages, potatoes and cabbage.
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.
