Presidential Eats

Week Night meal on a white plate

Tilapia with Beans Tomatoes Oregano_002.tif

Week Night meal on a white plate

If you’re lucky enough to have a day off of work or school on Monday, you can thank the first president of the United States, George Washington, as his birthday is celebrated each year on the third Monday of February. Celebrate this government holiday by cooking up our menu of presidential eats. We’re featuring a fish dish to commemorate Washington’s love of seafood, traditional Chicago- and Hawaiian-style favorites to honor President Obama’s roots and an authentic Indian dish to celebrate Washington, D.C.’s diverse food scene. Tell us: What will you be making on Presidents’ Day?

A true fish fan, Washington would have likely reveled in Food Network Magazine’s Tilapia With Green Beans (pictured above), a protein-packed plate that is bursting with fresh flavor. This flaky whitefish is quickly sautéed in a decadent butter-lemon sauce and served with tender green beans and softened cherry tomatoes.

Born in Hawaii, President Obama is likely no stranger to the islands’ plentiful produce and signature dishes. Cooking Channel’s Nadia G prepares a succulent, juicy Hawaiian Burger (pictured above), which boasts a slice of caramelized pineapple, a fruit for which Hawaii is famous. Each oregano-infused patty is topped with creamy mozzarella and chipotle-laced mayonnaise to highlight the sweet and savory components of this hearty burger.

Before he moved to Washington, DC.., President Obama lived in Chicago and enjoyed some of the city’s best deep-dish pizza. Emeril recreates a Windy City classic with his Chicago Style Italian Sausage and Pepper Deep Dish Pizza recipe, featuring sweet or spicy Italian sausage, earthy button mushrooms, green bell peppers and gooey provolone and mozzarella cheeses. It is best to bake this pie in a deep-dish pan, as the dough will rise considerably in the oven.

Home of the White House and, if only for a while, every president except George Washington, Washington, DC is studded with countless ethnic restaurants, thanks to its abundance of US-based foreign embassies. This weekend, try experimenting with different types of cuisines. If your only experience with Indian food has been through delivery or takeout orders, try cooking some authentic Indian dishes at home tonight. Food.com’s Sweet Potato Curry With Spinach and Chickpeas is an easy-to-make recipe that is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Sautéed with cumin, curry powder and cinnamon, this vegetarian curry boasts good-for-you vegetables and is served over brown rice.

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Leslie Siegel

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Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Leslie Siegel

Photo by: Andrew McCaul

Andrew McCaul

Since many schools will be closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday, ask your foodie son or daughter to join you in the kitchen to help prepare dessert. Food Network Magazine uses store-bought cheesecake to create bite-sized Cheesecake Pops (pictured above) that are dipped in chocolate and covered in colorful sprinkles. Little hands will enjoy making (and eating!) this creative and tasty finger food.

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