Dinner at Mr. Jefferson’s is a written treasure dedicated to documenting one of the most momentous, yet largely unknown moments in the history of our young country.
The date was 1790 and Thomas Jefferson, after returning from his stint as US Ambassador to France Jefferson is not certain he wants the job, but is ultimately convinced to serve.
Jefferson developed a fondness for the finer things in life while he lived in France Monticello , he began importing the finest wines, brandies, cognacs, and Champagnes Tuscany , he began planting vineyards at his Monticello
The evening in question was no different. Jefferson knew he had to convince his powerful political enemy, Alexander Hamilton, to come around to Jefferson ’s point of view on several of the hottest political moments of the day. What’s more, he had to convince Hamilton to give in, without Hamilton
The book tells the tale with wonderful poise and is an enjoyable read. It closes with wine lists, and recipes, both from the dinner and from Jefferson’s home at Monticello Hamilton
Roasted Cornish Game Hens
These are simple Cornish Game Hens served alongside an elegant stuffing. Jefferson served this to Hamilton Virginia
To serve 4
4 Cornish Game Hens, rinsed, patted dry.
8 oz. diced Virginia Ham
8 oz. chopped pecans, toasted
½ medium Vidalia onion chopped
½ bag unseasoned Pepperidge Farm croutons for stuffing
1 handful fresh, flat parsley chopped
1 pinch crushed red pepper
Salt & Crushed black pepper to taste
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
White truffle oil
The process
Salt and pepper the hens. Set them in a roasting pan and cook according to package directions at 350 degrees. They shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Get the olive oil warming in a sauté pan and then add the pecans to toast for about a minute or two. Don’t burn them. Add the onion, the Virginia Ham, and the crushed red pepper and cook until all is softened and combined.
Meanwhile, prepare the croutons on the stove per the package instructions. I had to add a bit of water and olive oil after they were done because they still seemed dry. At this point, combine the contents of the sauté pan with the croutons, and then add the parsley. Also, right before serving, add a few drops of white truffle oil. Jefferson loved to do this.
You can combine all of the above and set into a serving dish and then warm at dinner time. Serve alongside the hens. The hens are great, but really, the stuffing is the star of this meal.
This dinner is simple, and so delicious. The salad can be made in about 5 minutes and all your attention can be on the stuffing while hens roast effortlessly.
There’s more about Barboursville Vineyards here: Barboursville Cabernet Franc
Are you suggesting Thomas Jefferson used Pepperidge Farm stuffing-in-a-bag?
Prost!
Ha! Not quite. I did say that this was an adaptation. If you want to be pure, you can dry and cut your own croutons, but I don't have that much patience.
TTCP!
You mean like "adapting" pesto to take pecans?
Nice job on the blog…..