The Union’s commanding general became the eighteenth president.
Family or White House tradition
Later presidential culinary histories associate Grant with rice pudding. A stovetop method lets you control the creamy texture, with gentle heat rather than an elaborate dessert technique.
The president & the table
Lucy Latimer’s hot gingerbread made an impression on Ulysses and Julia Grant. National Park Service research connects their decision to employ her with tasting that cake; she became part of the household’s cooking story and later its White House years.
Behind this story
National Park Service research on Lucy Latimer and General Grant’s Ginger Cake; Grant culinary histories.
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
Put the rice, milk, water and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring just to a gentle simmer, stirring.
Cook over low heat for 30–35 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the base, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
Stir in sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and optional raisins. Cook for 5 minutes more, adding a little milk if it becomes too thick.
Serve warm, or cool promptly and refrigerate within 2 hours. It will thicken as it chills.
About this home version
A stovetop method gives you control over the creamy texture.
Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.
