<p>In this memoir and cookbook, Roland Mesnier, executive pastry chef to five presidents, tells the story behind each of the holiday gingerbread houses he created for display in the White House State Dining Room. Chef Mesnier also provides step-by-step instructions and templates for constructing and decorating a gingerbread house in the home kitchen. During the holidays, thousands of guests are served freshly made cookies and desserts at buffet events and private receptions. More than thirty of Chef Mesnier's White House favorite holiday recipes are featured including such cookies as coconut chocolate squares and linzer stars and trees; traditional holiday recipes such as buche de Noel, fruit cake, and egg nog; cakes and soufflés such as orange sabayon, spice cake, and gingerbread soufflé; and lastly, meringues, mousses, fillings, frozen desserts, and fresh fruit. The book includes a foreword by First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who hired Chef Mesnier in 1979, and a foreword by First Lady Laura Bush, who was in the White House when Chef Mesnier retired in 2004.</p>

The White House in Gingerbread: Memories and Recipes

Cookbooks, Food & Wine

Mesnier, Roland

Ramsdell, Mark

Cooking Education & Reference

White House Historical Association

<p>The holiday season at the White House is a magical time of year. The house is beautifully decorated from top to bottom, and for nearly fifty years, a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house has been the centerpiece of the White House Christmas decorations. THE GINGERBREAD WHITE HOUSE: A Pop-Up Book, created by best-selling author of pop-up books Chuck Fischer, invites you to enjoy this beloved tradition in your own home. Discover fanciful decorations, presidential pets in marzipan, and inside stories from pastry chefs Roland Mesnier and Mark Ramsdell. Their memories of the White House pastry kitchen during the holidays and the many first families they worked with are featured in the enclosed booklet. Children of all ages will enjoy the recipes included in the book and playing with the paper punch-outs, including the president’s limousine, a Secret Service agent, Santa on his sleigh, and a chef serving pastries. Booklet includes gingerbread scratch and sniff!</p>

The Gingerbread White House: A Pop-up Book

Children's Books

Fischer, Chuck

Holidays & Celebrations

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