5 Fun Facts About the Founding Fathers' Love of Ice Cream
Ice cream is the favorite treat of many Americans- the average American eats more than 23 pounds of ice cream every year (according to the International Dairy Foods Association). Our adoration for ice cream is nothing new. Many of the founding fathers were known for their love of ice cream. With the 4th of July coming up, we thought we'd tell you some interesting things about the founding fathers.
Here are 5 Fun Facts About the Founding Fathers' Love of Ice Cream!
1. Thomas Jefferson Wrote the Recipe
Notably spending many years in France near the start of the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson returned to the colonies with a deep love for French food. This motivated him to write the first known recipe for ice cream in the United States. His recipe is similar to modern Crème Anglaise or frozen custard. It's not hard to replicate with our modern mixers and ice cream makers but, in Jefferson's time, it took a few hours of vigorous stirring and cooling. Jefferson always had ice cream on hand at Monticello.
Try his classic recipe in a patriotic colored ice cream cup!
2. George Washington Spent a Fortune on Ice Cream
When the US capital stood in New York City, George Washington frequented a nearby ice cream parlor. In the summer of 1790, he spent $200 on ice cream alone. That would be $5,500 in 2020. The former president's love of ice cream cost him quite the chunk of change!
3. Dolley Madison was Famous for Her Ice Cream
The wife of the fourth US President, James Madison, famously served "a magnificent strawberry ice cream creation at President Madison’s second inaugural banquet at the White House" in 1813 (according to the International Dairy Foods Association). She reportedly favored uncommon flavors like oyster, asparagus, and parmesan.
You may not be eating flavors like oyster or asparagus but you can customize your ice cream sundaes with fun candy toppings!
4. George Washington Kept 309 Pieces of Ice-Cream-Making Equipment in the White House
Some call him the father of the United States, but we think he should be called the father of the double scoop. Not only did George Washington spend a fortune on ice cream, but he also had his staff make it too! There's no question about it, our first president loved his ice cream.
5. Thomas Jefferson Always Had the Ingredients to Make Ice Cream
Jefferson's massive estate, Monticello, had multiple "ice houses" on the premises. Before modern refrigeration, these little buildings would keep things cold. Thomas Jefferson loved ice cream so much, his ice houses were always stocked with eggs, butter, and cream, so he could make ice cream at any time.
Ice cream has been a beloved American treat for hundreds of years. The founding fathers' regularly enjoyed it. With the 4th of July coming up, don't forget to stock up on the founding fathers' favorite treat with Drink cups!