AT THE TABLE WITH JOHN F. KENNEDY

Lemon-butter baked fish

Name: Lemon-butter baked fish
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 cod or haddock fillets, about 150 g / 5 oz each; 40 g melted butter (3 tbsp); 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

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

Dinner25 minServes 4

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Lemon-butter baked fish — a little vintage colour — A little vintage colour · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

For Kennedy, lunch began with soup

More about John F. Kennedy →

The thirty-fifth president brought a young family to the White House.

Historical reconstruction

Kennedy’s liking for seafood is recorded by his presidential library. Lemon-butter baked fish turns that preference into a specific home supper, with a short oven cook to keep the flesh delicate.

The president & the table

The JFK Library describes Kennedy as particularly fond of New England fish chowder. Its account presents a light lunchtime pattern of soup, sandwich and fruit, and also records his liking for seafood and chocolate desserts.

Behind this story

JFK Library, “President Kennedy’s Favorite Foods”; family recollections.

APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.

Make it at home.

Our home adaptation · Serves 4 · Not yet kitchen-tested

Let’s make it

Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Place fish in a lightly buttered baking dish.
Mix butter, lemon zest, half the juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Spoon over fish.
Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until opaque and 63°C / 145°F in the centre.
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.

Lemon-butter baked fish

For Kennedy, lunch began with soup

Make it at home.

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

More from this table.

New England fish chowder

Fudgy chocolate brownies