Happy Presidents’ Day! To many students across the country, this day brings about excitement simply because it means one less day of school. Many of us will likely go through the day without so much as thinking about the great men who have led this country. Why not make Presidents’ Day one more holiday to formally celebrate?
Presidents’ Day is legally known as “Washington’s Birthday.” Despite the fact that George Washington’s birthday is not until February 22nd, Presidents’ Day always falls on the third Monday of February. Although George Washington was born 282 years ago, he is still admired for leading the American Continental Army to victory over the British in 1783 and serving as our nation’s first president.
George Washington has always been my favorite president because he defined what it meant to be the President of the United States. He was also noble enough to refuse to run for a third term in office, setting a standard for the presidency. While George Washington’s story of chopping down a cherry tree is only a myth, he was indeed very fond of cherries. Why not make your own delicious cherry dessert to honor our nation’s first president? Let the celebration of Presidents’ Day begin!
George Washington Cherry Cobbler
Adapted from Taste of Home; serves about 4
Ingredients:
Filling:
½ cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup of water
1 package (12 ounces) frozen pitted cherries, thawed
1 tablespoon of butter
Topping:
1 cup of flour
4 tablespoons of sugar, divided
2 teaspoons of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons of shortening
½ cup of milk
Directions:
1. For the filling, combine the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Stir in the water until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the cherries and butter and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir the mixture for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.
4. For the topping, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until the mixture is just moistened.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the cherry filling in the baking pan and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
6. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Be prepared to divulge in a crispy, sugary topping and sweet, satisfying cherry filling with this practically effortless yet scrumptious recipe. If you would like to make the process even easier on yourself, I would suggest using cherry pie filling from a can to cut the time in half. Add some whipped cream to the top of the cobbler, or pair it with vanilla ice cream for added delight!
George Washington is not the only president to be celebrated on Presidents’ Day. Political Science junior Alexis Nishihara explained why President Barack Obama is her all-time favorite.
“He is for the future of our country and for the success of the country, she said. “Education is a priority for him.”
Although Presidents’ Day is often overlooked, it is important to remember the roles that each of our 43 presidents have played in shaping our country and what future presidents will contribute to this nation’s history.