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

AT THE TABLE WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON

Honey-butter hoecakes

A golden start to the republic.

Breakfast25 minServes 4
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Honey-butter hoecakes — 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.

Family or White House tradition

Household recollections connect Washington’s breakfast with cornmeal hoecakes, butter, honey and tea. Our quick batter brings that combination to the table without overnight fermentation.

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. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt together. In a second bowl beat the egg with the milk and melted butter.

  2. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Rest for 5 minutes; add a splash of milk if too thick to spoon.

  3. Warm a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Use 2 tablespoons of batter per cake and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

  4. Mash the serving butter with the honey. Serve on the hot cakes.

About this home version

A quick baking-powder batter replaces an overnight fermented batter.

Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.

STAY FOR ANOTHER COURSE

More from this table.