Regardless of your political persuasion, today is a historic day.  President-Elect Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.  For the Inaugural meal, the "Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies" chose Abraham Lincoln's favorite foods. 

This is the first US Presidential Inauguration that I have experienced since moving to the United States from France, and I wanted to do something to mark the occasion.  I thought it would be fun to make these dishes that have nourished two US Presidents.  Since Lincoln was a Republican and Obama is a Democrat, I guess you could call it a bi-partisan feast!  If you're in a patriotic mood, you can make my versions of the Inaugural menu at your home.

Here's the Official Menu (click on the links below for each full recipe):

• First Course: Seafood Stew, paired with a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
   

• Second Course: A Brace of American Birds (pheasant and duck), served with Sour Cherry Shallot Tomato Chutney, Green Peppercorn Truffle Sauce and Molasses Roasted Yams and Swee Potatoes Medley, paired with an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

• Third Course: Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glacé, paired with a California champagne.

I hope you like these recipes as much as I enjoyed making them.  I'll be posting a new recipe everyday, and I look forward to hearing your questions, comments and tips.

Bon Appétit!

Jackie