The Presidential Palate

You may not consider President's Day a big cooking holiday, but I'm of the opinion that any thematic food is just a little more fun. (Inauguration Day was way more fun when we served Barak-wurst, Barak-aroni and cheese and Barak-olli. I am not making that up.)

So here are a few ideas to help you observe President's Day deliciously:

The Lincoln Log
Who doesn't love a cheese ball? I made this one in the shape of a football for the Super Bowl. Just a slight modification in shape and you can present your guests or co-workers with a very patriotic snack.

• 8oz softened cream cheese
• 8oz of shredded cheddar cheese (I like the extra sharp)
• 1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix 
• 1 cup pecan pieces

Toast the pecans in the oven (350 degrees for about 10 minutes) They will burn fast so keep an eye on them. You just want a deep, toasty brown. After they cool a bit, I crush them into a finer crumb by rolling over them with a rolling pin. How fine you make them is completely up to you.

Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and ranch dressing mix thoroughly. form into a log shape and roll in the pecan pieces. Chill. I find this tastes best if made a day ahead.

Serve with your favorite crackers and maybe a glass of wine from Jefferson Vineyards (near the home of Thomas Jefferson). Add some cherries on the side in honor of George Washington and you have a positively commanding dish.

Or get inspired by one of these  recipes from the First Ladies:

Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies
Mamie Eisenhower's Fudge
Nancy Reagan's Monkey Bread
Lady Bird Johnson's Lemon Cake

Have a great weekend!