
The Dolley Madison
Vanilla crème brûlée spoon with candied violets
She popularized ice cream at the White House
The Story
Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth President James Madison, was the original White House hostess. Famous for her warmth and social brilliance, she transformed presidential entertaining into an art form. She is credited with serving the first ice cream at a White House state dinner in 1813, a strawberry creation that stunned guests. This delicate crème brûlée spoon with candied violets channels her spirit of sweetness, elegance, and unforgettable style.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- Vanilla bean
- Sugar
- Candied violets
- Ceramic spoons
Preparation
- 1.Heat cream with vanilla bean until simmering.
- 2.Whisk yolks with sugar, temper with cream.
- 3.Pour into ceramic spoons, bake in water bath at 300°F.
- 4.Chill, torch sugar on top, garnish with candied violets.
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