Like the 43 women of the White House before her, today’s First Lady will definitely be documented in the history books. But unlike many of her predecessors, First Lady Michelle Obama has also etched her place in the country’s cookbooks.
Sharing her favorite healthy recipes on Pinterest might be something new for a First Lady, but healthy ingredients in the White House kitchen go way back. We looked up some of the eating habits of past presidential couples and discovered many examples where the wives were keen on keeping a nutritious routine during their husbands’ terms.
Here are some memorable First Ladies with a recipe inspired by their tastes so that you can create a meal fit for a First Family too:
1. Michelle Obama – The Obamas recently hosted their final State Dinner as President and First Lady at the White House. As an ode to the departing First Family, celebrity chef Mario Batali designed a menu incorporating some of Michelle Obama’s favorite foods, including sweet potatoes that he made into a ravioli. Serve up one of the First Lady’s favorites by preparing this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie.
2. Nancy Reagan – She kept a tight watch not only on her diet but on that of her husband “Ronnie” too. In fact, after the Reagans returned to California, one of their go-to restaurants renamed its spa salad after Mrs. Reagan because she ordered it so frequently. Composed of many nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado and turkey, she’d likely fancy this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Warm Orange Vinaigrette.
3. Jackie Kennedy – Her personal chefs can attest to her lifetime love for seafood and fruit-based dishes. Some references say her diet would feature baked potatoes filled with caviar and sour cream, as well as an original hot fruit dessert she often served to visitors at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. On Jackie O.’s Pinterest page, we bet she’d pin Gingery Salmon with Peaches.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt – With the country enduring tough times during her husband Franklin’s tenure in office, Mrs. Roosevelt joined other women in putting rationing to practice in the kitchen. But it was known her family did relish their Sunday night tradition of breakfast-for-dinner, making this Tomato, Spinach and Feta Frittata perfect for the First Family – the tomatoes might have even been picked from Mrs. Roosevelt’s historic Victory Garden.
5. Mary Lincoln – Mrs. Lincoln was known for her southern hospitality when it came to entertaining, and she especially enjoyed hosting seasonal strawberry and cream parties – a gourmet gathering common among the ladies of Springfield, Illinois during her time. If she was here today, we’re guessing she’d put Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes on her party menu.
