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In the News

Closer Inspection: A Washington feast at Mount Vernon

The holiday dessert table at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate is resplendent with tantalizing sweets. But don’t try to take a bite: All the period delicacies on display are inedible replicas. — Kris Coronado

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The table at Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, 703-780-2000, www.mountvernon.org) is set for 10. Most dinners at Mount Vernon were two courses, says the estate’s associate curator, Laura Simo. The first was hot foods such as ham and rabbit, and vegetables such as asparagus; the second was dessert, with sweet and savory items. Through Jan. 6, visitors can get a glimpse of what a feast at George Washington’s home may have looked like.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The plum pudding is a plaster cast of the real dessert. It is hollow to decrease the amount of weight placed on the tableware. The replica weighs no more than a pound, Simo says. Custom-made food pieces must be made of materials approved by a conservator so “we’re not introducing any materials that may ... react in a negative way with our collection,” Simo says.

The plum pudding is a plaster cast of the real dessert. It is hollow to decrease the amount of weight placed on the tableware. The replica weighs no more than a pound, Simo says. Custom-made food pieces must be made of materials approved by a conservator so “we’re not introducing any materials that may ... react in a negative way with our collection,” Simo says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The recipe for this hedgehog cake calls for slivered almonds to create the hedgehog’s quills, but the foam replica uses painted wood. “We don’t know if the Washingtons enjoyed it, but ... it’s a fun one to do,” Simo says.

The recipe for this hedgehog cake calls for slivered almonds to create the hedgehog’s quills, but the foam replica uses painted wood. “We don’t know if the Washingtons enjoyed it, but ... it’s a fun one to do,” Simo says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The silver-plated wine coaster, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, was bought for Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette in the 1780s.

The silver-plated wine coaster, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, was bought for Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette in the 1780s.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Glassware on the table. In February, the museum opens the exhibit “Hoecakes & Hospitality: Cooking With Martha Washington.

Glassware on the table. In February, the museum opens the exhibit “Hoecakes & Hospitality: Cooking With Martha Washington.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

“The one dessert we do know the Washingtons would have enjoyed is the Twelfth Night cake,” or Martha Washington’s “great cake,” Simo says. Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) is the Washingtons’ wedding anniversary; they married in 1759. Guests can get a free copy of Martha Washington’s recipe, but be prepared for a palate experience of a different sort. “They’re more complex in their flavors than what we have today,” Simo says. “A lot of recipes call for nutmeg, a lot of times adding currants, chopped figs, dates, dried fruits. ... A spicy-sweet versus a sugary-sweet.”

“The one dessert we do know the Washingtons would have enjoyed is the Twelfth Night cake,” or Martha Washington’s “great cake,” Simo says. Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) is the Washingtons’ wedding anniversary; they married in 1759. Guests can get a free copy of Martha Washington’s recipe, but be prepared for a palate experience of a different sort. “They’re more complex in their flavors than what we have today,” Simo says. “A lot of recipes call for nutmeg, a lot of times adding currants, chopped figs, dates, dried fruits. ... A spicy-sweet versus a sugary-sweet.”

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Among the faux desserts on the table: frosted cakes. The pieces are generally made of foam and acrylic paint.

Among the faux desserts on the table: frosted cakes. The pieces are generally made of foam and acrylic paint.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The tableware is a mix of 18th-century pieces and reproductions of creamware (lead-glazed earthenware), Simo says. Little of the Washingtons’ creamware remain today, even though Washington ordered some 250 pieces. It was likely used daily, Simo says.

The tableware is a mix of 18th-century pieces and reproductions of creamware (lead-glazed earthenware), Simo says. Little of the Washingtons’ creamware remain today, even though Washington ordered some 250 pieces. It was likely used daily, Simo says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Other replica desserts include: sheep marzipan ...

Other replica desserts include: sheep marzipan ...

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

... marzipan shells ...

... marzipan shells ...

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

... and minced meat tarts.

... and minced meat tarts.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Though there are no records showing the Washingtons had a crabapple pyramid centerpiece at a holiday dinner, pyramids of any sort were popular among elite, middle and even some lower classes, Simo says.

Though there are no records showing the Washingtons had a crabapple pyramid centerpiece at a holiday dinner, pyramids of any sort were popular among elite, middle and even some lower classes, Simo says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The Washingtons’ guests might have refreshed their palate with fruits and cheeses, set on a nearby sideboard.

The Washingtons’ guests might have refreshed their palate with fruits and cheeses, set on a nearby sideboard.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Simo says some of Washington’s favorite cheeses were cheddar ...

Simo says some of Washington’s favorite cheeses were cheddar ...

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

... and Gloucester. He also favored oranges, coconut and pineapples.

... and Gloucester. He also favored oranges, coconut and pineapples.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

“The colors, the textures, the tastes of the table really must have shown to guests just who the Washingtons were,” Simo says.

“The colors, the textures, the tastes of the table really must have shown to guests just who the Washingtons were,” Simo says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The Season in Photos

Santa Claus, portrayed by Steve Stickley of Stephens City, Va. gets a kiss from a stray puppy during an open house at the Esther L. Boyd Animal Shelter in Winchester, Va. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. (AP Photo, The Winchester Star, Jeff Taylor)

Holiday celebrations around the world

People around the world celebrate in a variety of colorful, playful and profound ways.

12/05/1999 - PH/MENORAH - CREDIT: Michael Lutzky/TWP - LOCATION: The Ellipse - CAPTION: The official lighting ceremony for the National Menorah on the Ellipse was not held until the third night of Chanukah. Here, the flames smoke after the lighting with the Washington Monument in the background.

Hanukkah starts with National Menorah lighting in Washington

This year’s annual lighting of the National Menorah took place on the White House Ellipse on the first night of Hanukkah.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Aini-Alem Dennis, 10, left, Mikalah Davis, 14, center, and Leilani Gill, 11, right, perform with the Farafina Kan Youth Ensemble during A Kwanzaa Celebration in the Panorama Room of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Thursday December 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. The event featured information on the background of Kwanzaa along with drumming and dancing. (Photo by Matt McClain For The Washington Post)

Kwanzaa celebrations across the country

The holiday honors African American culture and is observed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 every year.

1 of 12 chosen. Age 7.

Holiday Wrapping Paper Contest: A wrap up

Find out who created your favorite entry and read what our judges thought about the 12 finalists’ artwork. Plus, you can view the 15 &ldquo...

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Local Living second annual holiday crafts contest winner by Elizabeth Tung as seen on Wednesday December 14, 2011 at The Washington Post studio in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)

Holiday Crafts Contest: Meet the winners

Elizabeth Tung won the grand prize for her paper star woven with gold metallic thread. It was chosen from hundreds of photos of handmade, winter-themed...

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 19: White Chocolate and Peppermint Chocolate Mountains photographed in Washington, DC. (Photo by Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Cookie Guide: 25 recipes for the best holiday treats

From thumbprints to exotic shortbread, our collection of holiday cookie recipes has something for everyone. This year, we’ve highlighted...

U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha (L) and Malia pose with children, dressed as elves, at the 'Christmas in Washington' celebration at the National Building Museum in Washington December 11, 2011. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Obamas shine at ‘Christmas in Washington’ concert

The president and first lady host this year’s celebration at the National Building Museum.

US President Barack Obama smiles with daughters Sasha (L) and Malia (R) while watching First Lady Michelle Obama read to children during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 1, 2011 at The Ellipse in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

National Christmas Tree lights up Washington

The Obamas are joined by Kermit the Frog, Carson Daly, OneRepublic, Big Time Rush and others for the annual lighting of the National Christmas...

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