Teacups in the Garden

• Feb. 18, 2008 - President's Day

For the last several years, we have celebrated President's Day by eating some of George Washington's favorite food.

He liked fried chicken. Because of the cherry tree legend, I make a salad with dried cherries in it. Because Abraham Lincoln was a big fan of George Washington, I have some hasty pudding (aka polenta). George Washington probably ate a lot of that too. Then both men probably had a lot of chicken gravy, so that tops the hasty pudding. Afterwards, to top it all off, we have cherry pie, in honor of the cherry tree legend.

But one of George Washington's favorite foods, which seems to be a staple of Virginia, is Peanut Soup! That is in the bowl in the first picture. If you ever visit Mount Vernon, you can eat at their restaurant, and order Virginia Peanut and Chestnut Soup from the menu.

www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/3/

A visit to Colonial Williamsburg also offers many restaurants with this regional soup. One is the King's Arms Tavern.

www.history.org/visit/diningExperience/kingsArms/

The King's Arms Tavern even provides the recipe for you to try yourself!

www.history.org/visit/diningExperience/kingsArms/images/kat_recipe_book.pdf

This soup is now one of my husband's favorite soups. President's Day would not be the same for him without it. ;)

• Feb. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by 4sweetums

What a fun idea. I have been thinking about studying a different president each year and adding their favorite meal would add to the fun. Thanks for the idea.
Blessings,
Dawn

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Love This!

Posted by MayTheyBeMightyMen

What a great way to celebrate President's Day with a bit of "flavor" and fun. I've never thought of doing something like this, but the idea is intriguing....

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Looks so yummy...

Posted by proverbsmomof3

though I'm not sure about the peanut soup. I may try it sometime though I'm not much of a peanut person. Now cashews, pecans, and pistachios are my nut of choice though I don't think they would make for a very good soup. LOL

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by icecastle

The food looks and sounds delicious. Thanks for the links!

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kellieann

I have never even thought of celebrating President's Day. What a great (and yummy!) idea.

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• Feb. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

What a wonderful tradition Laurie! This looks fantastic!!! Mt Vernon is on my short list of places I want to go next (after Dallas of course!!).

Blessings,
Pam

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About Me

Gardens thrill my soul. My senses awaken, my soul is refreshed, my mood calms down...and if given time for quiet ponder, I've enjoyed the sound of buzzing bees while collecting pollen, the delightful croak of shy Mr. Toad, the exuberant flutter a hummingbird near my face thanking me for scrumptious flowers, and the gentle touch of the butterfly who settles on my shoulder. I've been known to walk into the house with my hair showered in lavender crepe myrtle blossoms and my clothes covered in blue plumbago blooms. Picture a rustic wrought iron bistro set with floral cushions and gingham pillows under a crepe myrtle dripping in blooms. I've set out some tea. Come and sit with me while I catch you up on the latest of the happenings in my family. Welcome to my garden.