Ep 1. The Washingtons at Mount Vernon- Part 1

In A Taste of History season 3 episode 1 titled "The Washingtons at Mount Vernon- Part 1," host Chef Walter Staib takes viewers on a journey to explore the culinary legacy of George and Martha Washington. The first part of the two-part episode focuses on Mount Vernon during the early years of the Washingtons' marriage. Chef Staib uncovers several fascinating stories and historical facts about the Washingtons' lives and how food played a significant role in their lives.

Chef Staib starts his exploration by taking viewers on a tour of the Mount Vernon estate. He highlights the various gardens, orchards, and fields that were carefully cultivated by the Washingtons. He shows how the Washingtons' love of farming and agriculture led them to become expert gardeners. He explains that the Washingtons used their extensive knowledge of farming to grow and cultivate crops that were not just for their use but also for the benefit of the entire colony.

As Chef Staib continues his tour of the estate, he moves on to the kitchen and delves into the Washingtons' culinary world. He showcases the kitchen garden where herbs, fruits, and vegetables were grown. Chef Staib then moves into the Mount Vernon kitchen, where he outlines the daily activities that occurred in the kitchen, such as preparing meals and baking bread. He points out the artifacts and state-of-the-art equipment that was used to prepare food during the Washingtons' era. Chef Staib notes that the Washingtons' love for food and cooking drove them to bring in exotic ingredients that were not readily available in the American colonies.

The episode also highlights the Washingtons' love for entertaining and hosting guests. Chef Staib reveals that President Washington was not known for his culinary skills, but he was an expert in hospitality. He wanted everyone who visited his estate to feel welcome and comfortable, which is why he paid great attention to the details and arrangements of his guests' meals and accommodations. Chef Staib explains how Martha was the culinary genius behind all of the entertaining and hosting at Mount Vernon.

To showcase the Washingtons' culinary legacy and their love for hosting guests, Chef Staib prepares a menu that features some of the Washingtons' favorite dishes. He makes Martha Washington's famous chicken fricassee, which consists of braised chicken served on a bed of vegetables and covered with a thick white sauce. Chef Staib also prepares a side dish of turnip puree, a recipe that was served during the Washingtons' era and was considered a luxury in the colonies. He finishes off the meal with a dessert of apple pandowdy with a crust made from scratch.

Overall, A Taste of History season 3 episode 1 does an excellent job of showcasing the Washingtons' culinary legacy and how food played an essential role in their lives. Chef Staib's exploration of the Mount Vernon estate and the Washingtons' kitchen provides an excellent insight into the culinary practices and daily lives of one of America's founding families. The episode is a must-watch for people who are interested in American history, food, or both.