All the Presidents' Pastries, Cookbook of the Day

by Nicole Weston, Posted Feb 19th 2007 @ 7:59AM

Since today is President's Day, what could be more appropriate than featuring the memoir of Roland Mesnier, All the Presidents' Pastries: Twenty-Five Years in the White House. Mesnier was the White House's pastry chef for a quarter century and in that time he served world leaders, diplomats, celebrities and, of course, the five first families that came through the White House during his time there. He first came into his position during Jimmy Carter's time in office and served for Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well. He undoubtedly saw a lot, but the book doesn't get gossipy (with just a handful of minor exceptions). Instead it focuses on Mesnier's journey from a childhood in France, through London, Bermuda and finally into Washington, covering the various personalities (chefs and clients) he interacted with, foods he prepared and "major world events" that he witnessed. The book only has a dozen or so recipes, including Carter's favorite Pecan Bourbon Pie, but each one has the presidential seal of approval.