FROM THE FOUNDING TABLE TO YOUR KITCHEN
POTUSPLATETHE PRESIDENTIAL TABLEHISTORY IS SERVED.
Presidents/George Washington

AT THE TABLE WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON

Lemon-butter baked fish

Take thin fillets out first if the pieces vary in size.

Dinner25 minServes 4
Jump to recipe ↓
Lemon-butter baked fish — a painted table
A painted table · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

The breakfast that outlasted the presidency

More about George Washington →

Commander of the Continental Army and the first president.

Historical reconstruction

Washington’s household remembered his fondness for fish. This lemon-butter preparation reconstructs a simple fish supper from that preference and his Potomac setting; the seasoning and oven method are chosen for a home kitchen.

The president & the table

Washington’s household remembered a remarkably consistent breakfast: cornmeal hoecakes, plenty of butter and honey, and hot tea. Those recollections bring the first president closer than a formal banquet menu does. Members of his household also described a particular enthusiasm for fish, a natural part of life beside the Potomac.

Behind this story

Mount Vernon research on Washington’s food; household and family recollections.

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

  1. Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Place fish in a lightly buttered baking dish.

  2. Mix butter, lemon zest, half the juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Spoon over fish.

  3. Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until opaque and 63°C / 145°F in the centre.

  4. Finish with parsley and remaining lemon juice to taste.

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.

STAY FOR ANOTHER COURSE

More from this table.