Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States, is often remembered for his campaign promise of a “return to normalcy” following the turmoil of World War I.
A man of affable charm and a strong connection to his roots, Harding appreciated the simple comforts of life, including his favorite dish, chicken pot pie. This classic, hearty meal reflects Harding’s Midwestern upbringing and his love for traditional, home-cooked food.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Harding’s life, his presidency, and his connection to chicken pot pie. We’ll also share a recipe that allows you to bring this comforting dish to your table.
Chicken pot pie is a comfort food favorite across America. This hearty pie features a flaky pastry crust filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. But who came up with this delicious recipe?
The Origins are Hard to Pinpoint
While we don’t know the exact inventor of the chicken pot pie, it likely evolved from old European cooking traditions. Pot pies date back to Roman times when they were called “artocreas” These early pies featured meat and vegetables in a pastry shell
In the 1700s, people who came to America brought pot pie recipes from England and the Netherlands with them. In the United States, the pot pie has been shaped by different regional and cultural factors. It’s hard to say who came up with the chicken pot pie because many people did.
Early American Cookbooks Point to England
Some of the earliest American cookbooks provide clues about the chicken pot pie’s origins. In 1796, the cookbook American Cookery by Amelia Simmons included a recipe for a baked pudding with a puff pastry crust.
While not a traditional pot pie this early recipe shows the use of puff pastry with chicken. It reflects cooking methods brought by English settlers.
Later in 1824, the cookbook The Virginia Housewife by Mary Randolph contained a recipe for chicken pie calling for a pie crust. This helps confirm the English roots of the American pot pie tradition.
The Dutch May Have Created the Name
The name “pot pie” itself may come from Dutch settlers in New York in the 1600s. The Dutch called their meat and veggie pies “pot pies.”
The English taught the Dutch how to make pies, but it’s possible that the Dutch came up with the name “pot pie.” In the United States, the term came to mean meat pies cooked in pots.
Regional Traditions Emerged
Over the years, different types of American regional food have influenced pot pie styles. In New England, pot pies were made with simple things like chicken and root vegetables. In the South, biscuit dough was often used instead of pastry crust for pot pies.
In Pennsylvania Dutch versions called “bot boi,” the pie crust was left out and a biscuit topping was used instead. So pot pies changed over time based on the ingredients that were available and the way people historically cooked.
Factory Production Transformed Pot Pies
While initially a homemade dish, pot pies became mass-produced starting in the 1950s. Frozen pot pie brands like Swanson and Morton helped popularize the chicken pot pie across the nation.
These commercial pot pies transformed the humble home cooked dish into an American grocery store staple.
The Secret Inventor May Be Lost to History
While we don’t know the first person to put chicken in a flaky pie crust, pot pies clearly trace their roots to European settlers. The dish evolved from Old World cooking techniques combined with American regional flavors.
The true origins may forever remain a mystery. But this beloved meal continues to be a favorite family dinner, thanks to the anonymous inventors who had the bright idea to encase chicken in pastry. So next time you bite into a warm, hearty pot pie, thank these unknown culinary pioneers!
The Presidency: A Time of Prosperity and Scandal
Harding was elected as the 29th President of the United States in 1920, winning in a landslide victory with his promise to restore peace and stability after the Great War.
His presidency, from 1921 to 1923, was marked by economic prosperity and a focus on pro-business policies, including tax cuts and reduced government intervention in the economy.
There were, however, many scandals during Harding’s time in office. The most well-known was the Teapot Dome scandal, which involved illegally renting out federal oil reserves. Although Harding was not personally implicated, the scandals tarnished his legacy and overshadowed many of his achievements.
Legacy of Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding’s legacy is often viewed through the lens of the scandals that emerged during and after his presidency. However, his personal charm, his efforts to promote peace through the Washington Naval Conference, and his economic policies that contributed to the “Roaring Twenties” remain significant aspects of his time in office.
Harding died suddenly in 1923, only two years into his term. His death made many people wonder what he might have accomplished as president if he had lived.
Finding the Birthplace of Chicken Pot Pie In Lancaster, PA — The Source [SPONSORED]
FAQ
Where did the chicken pot pie originate?
While the exact origin of the dish is unclear, it is believed to have originated in medieval England. Mar 15, 2023.