Historic Thanksgiving foods in Mineola
Thomas Jefferson painting by Charles Wilson Peale in 1791. This portrait depicts Jefferson as he looked around the time of his travels to Long Island. Credit: INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL
Get a taste of Thanksgivings past with Libby O’Connell, chief historian of the History Channel and author of “The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites” (Sourcebooks). On Nov. 20, O’Connell will be on the steps of Mineola’s old county courthouse to talk about her book while offering samples of Thomas Jefferson’s recipe for macaroni and cheese, Brunswick stew and oysters (which she calls the “fast food” of the American Indians).
The cooking will be done by Christopher James Cappello, executive chef of Oheka Castle. Local social studies teachers and Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano will also be on hand.
The old county courthouse is at 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, and the event is at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20. Dress warmly.
