Blogs / yum! / Winter 2009 / The Presidential Palate

 Email  Print  Feed

yum!

A blog about food

The Presidential Palate

vol.5

(page 1 of 4)

The 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Washington’s Birthday. And to celebrate both with a day off work—Presidents' Day. But what about all the other leaders of our nation whose names never get mentioned for this holiday? I find myself thinking of them as I anticipate my three-day weekend and I wonder why their great contributions are not celebrated. To remedy this grave injustice of American history, this year, I am going to specifically celebrate William H. Taft (1909-1913).

I chose Taft for a number of reasons. I like his name. He was the largest president ever elected (standing 6’2” and more than 300 pounds). He is credited with starting the “first pitch” tradition in baseball. He got stuck in a bathtub and had a new one installed in the White House that was 7 feet long. He is the only person to have served as both President of the U.S. and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Taft liked milk so much that he brought his own cows to the White House. One cow’s name was Pauline. Taft had a sweet mustache. And finally—back to baseball—he allegedly inspired the 7th inning stretch during the game at which he initiated the first pitch by standing and stretching during the 7th inning. The rest of the crowd reverently followed suit and the 7th inning stretch was born.

 HOW MORE AMERICAN CAN YOU GET? All Washington did was cut down a cherry tree while Taft and his wife Nellie planted the Japanese cherry blossoms that D.C. celebrates every spring. So I say “Go Taft!” on this President’s Day. And I hope you will join me in celebrating those that history has overlooked. Pick Polk, Harrison, Fillmore, or Buchanan, and give them the love. And just for kicks—I am posting some presidential favorites and fun facts.

 >>please click next for recipes>>