Mmmmmm from Monticello

Every week, the Library of America sends me their Story of the Week, usually a minor piece from the 19th or early 20th century included in their special reprinted editions. Recently, they sent me A Virginia Barbecue by John M. Duncan. Sometime in 1818, the Glasgow publisher was invited to a barbecue at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, and he wrote a short and charming piece about what he saw.

However, what really caught my eye was the extra piece Library of America included in that week’s email: Thomas Jefferson’s recipe for ice cream. I’m not sure how they can assert that “Jefferson was the first American to write a recipe for ice cream.” Nevertheless, I’m inspired to cruise down to Amy’s Ice Cream at the Quarry Market for some Mexican Vanilla with strawberries. Thanks, Jefferson. I’m finally down to 171 lbs., and then you come along with…