The 8th United States President, Martin Van Buren (term from 1837 to 1841), reportedly named the following appetizer as his favorite.
Midnight Edam Cheese Spread
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. Edam cheese
- 1/4 lb. sweet butter
- 2/3 c. beer
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 c. plum tomatoes (peeled, seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. green onions, finely minced
- Toast slices
Directions: Cut a 2″ slice across the top of cheese and set aside. Scoop out the inside of the cheese. Using a blender or food processor, mix together the scooped-out cheese and butter. Slowly add beer.
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, tomatoes, garlic salt and onions. Fill the shell with the cheese mixture and cover with the reserved 2″ cheese piece.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve with toast slices.
Yield: 6 servings (approximately 1/4 c. spread)
Curried Cucumbers & Crab Meat
The following recipe was considered a favorite of the 19th U.S.President, Rutherford B. Hayes (term from 1877 to 1881).
Ingredients:
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. curry powder
- 1/2 c. crab meat
- 2 cucumbers
- 6 thin slices of bread
- 1/2 c. black olives (pitted and chopped)
Directions: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, curry powder and crab meat. Peel cucumbers and cut them into thin slices.
Using a start circle-shaped cookie cutter, cut out small circles of bread. Spread bread circles with the curry-crab mixture. Place a cucumber slice on each bread circle and top with a small amount of curry-crab mixture. Top with chopped olives.
Yield: 24 slices
Dolley Madison’s Cheese Straws
Ingredients:
- 4 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated, room temperature
- 1 c. butter, room temperature
- 3 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper
Directions: In a bowl, cream cheese and butter together. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly to form dough.
Roll out dough on a floured board to 1/4″ thickness. Using a sharp knife, cut into strips about 1/2″ x 4″ wide. Place strips on an un-greased baking sheet.
Bake 400°F for 8 minutes until golden brown.
Yield: 6 dozen
Franklin Pierce Mexican Cheese Dip
Reportedly, the 14th President of the United States of America President Franklin Pierce indulged in this appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 or 2 medium Jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 3 1/2 c. cooked tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped
- 5 c. Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp. celery salt
- Thin slices of toasted French bread
Directions: In a frying pan, cook onions and garlic in oil until translucent. Add Jalapeño peppers and tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes. Drain excess cooking liquid. Add cheese and celery salt. Continue to simmer 10 minutes more.
Serve warm or chilled with toasted French bread.
Yield: 14 servings (about 1/2c. each)
Calories: 195 per serving