Friday, May 11, 2012

Coffee with the Founding Fathers

A blog I have been viewing recently, does these remarkable tablescapes: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ You should see them! They are an inspiration to me, and so, I designed one herein for you to see.
I call it "The Founding Fathers' Coffee Clutch"! It is very simple, but perhaps Washington, Jefferson and Adams might have sat together one afternoon to discuss the issues of the day. They might have had at hand a copy of Common Sense or Rights of Man, both by Thomas Paine, a contemporary of theirs.

My tea/coffee silver service is by Lunt, inspired by Paul Revere, another Colonial contemporary. Revere was a silversmith, and actually designed this set. My cups are porecelain reproductions from the Mount Vernon collection.
I included the porcelain bisque magnolia in honor of the Founding Father's gardening skills. They all maintained beautiful and utilitarian gardens. I think they might have enjoyed some Sally Lunn bread with their coffee. Sally Lunn is a Colonial favorite. A simple but delicious bread, see recipe below:

1 cup milk
1/2 c butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
3 eggs
4 c flour
Heat milk over low heat; add yeast. Let stand.Beat butter until fluffy; add sugar, salt, eggs, and beat well. Add flour along with milk/yeast, a little at a time. Cover and let rise in a warm place til double in size. About an hour.
Spoon batter intl a lightly greased and floured 9 inch tube pan.
Bake 350o for 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove and cool on wire rack.
Makes about 12 servings

The Founding Fathers liked their coffee, you know, especially after that infamous "Tea Party".

 

2 comments:

  1. Marina, this was wonderful! I loved the history lesson along with the beautiful table setting. Thanks for sharing your recipe! We'll pretend it's Sally Lunn bread for today. :)

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  2. Really appreciate your comments. Yes, try the Sally Lunn. Historically, the name is thought to come from "soleil lune" or "Sol et Lune" because of the round shape and sunny colour!

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