Here’s the last installement. I promise no more history until Labor Day or something.

Thomas Jefferson- The eloquent author of The Declaration of Independence and our nation’s 3rd President, Jefferson at his Monticello was the epitome of southern aristocracy. Where John Adams could be considered the ultimate Yankee, Jefferson’s gentile background was the perfect counter point. Check out this site if you’d like to step back in time for a while and ride your horse while surveying Monticello. Here’s a bit from the Monticello.org site that I found fascinating:

Family recipes that have survived — eight in Jefferson’s own hand — include blanc mange (almond cream) and nouilly à maccaroni (a pasta dough). Outside of France, Jefferson enjoyed delicacies such as waffles in Holland. On his return to America, many such dishes, including ice cream, were considered novelties. He also imported a variety of foods, such as Italian olive oil and French mustard.

The French influence endured at Jefferson’s table for the rest of his life: in 1824, Daniel Webster noted that dinners at Monticello were “served in half Virginian, half French style, in good taste and abundance.”

Benjamin Franklin- I thought Franklin was going to be all wine, women and song! But actually the man was a guru of self improvement before a book on the subject ever graced the Phil Donohue Show. He was not a vegetarian but actually did give up meat at many a meal because of it’s expense. (Don’t forget he’s the penny saved penny earned founder.) This article from the University of Delaware provided a wealth of information on Franklin’s diet. Benjamin Franklin had one of the best lines ever on how to handle food. One I obviously have not been able to master… yet.

“Eat to live, and not live to eat.”

Imagine what Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin would have thought of blogging! I think Jefferson and Franklin would have created fantastic blogs. Washington seems way too reserved for it.

I hope you all had a Happy Fourth of July Weekend and remembered not to tipple and drive.