James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, is often remembered for the turbulent period leading up to the Civil War. Yet, beyond the political strife, Buchanan’s personal life and tastes reveal a man deeply rooted in the traditions of his Pennsylvania upbringing.
One of his most cherished dishes was pork and sauerkraut, a hearty meal with deep cultural ties to the Pennsylvania Dutch community. In this blog post, we’ll explore Buchanan’s life, his presidency, and how pork and sauerkraut became a staple on his table.
James Buchanan’s Presidency: A Legacy of Failure
The Election of 1856: A President for a Divided Nation
James Buchanan was elected president in 1856, largely due to his experience in government and his perceived neutrality on the issue of slavery.
However, his presidency quickly proved that his approach would do little to heal the nation’s deepening divisions. His stance on slavery, which aimed to appease both Northern and Southern interests, ultimately satisfied neither and contributed to the increasing discord.
The Dred Scott Decision: A Misguided Endorsement
One of the most infamous moments of Buchanan’s presidency was his support for the Dred Scott decision in 1857, where the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories.
Buchanan believed this decision would settle the slavery issue once and for all, but instead, it inflamed tensions and pushed the nation closer to civil war. His behind-the-scenes influence in the case is often cited as a major blunder, as it further polarized the country.
Kansas-Nebraska Act Fallout: “Bleeding Kansas”
Buchanan’s support for the pro-slavery government in Kansas, despite widespread evidence of electoral fraud, further discredited his administration.
The violent conflict in Kansas, known as “Bleeding Kansas,” became a symbol of the nation’s inability to resolve the issue of slavery peacefully. Buchanan’s inability to address the violence and his clear bias towards Southern interests only worsened his standing in the North.
The Secession Crisis: A President Paralyzed by Inaction
As Southern states began to secede following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, Buchanan’s response was one of inaction. He believed that secession was illegal but also felt that the federal government had no authority to coerce states back into the Union.
This paradoxical stance left the nation in limbo, and Buchanan’s failure to take decisive action is widely regarded as one of the key factors that allowed the secession movement to gain momentum, leading directly to the Civil War.
Legacy: A Presidency Defined by Failure
Historians frequently rank James Buchanan among the worst U.S. presidents due to his inability to prevent the country from descending into civil war.
His indecisiveness, poor judgment, and apparent favoritism towards the South are often cited as contributing factors to the conflict that would soon engulf the nation. Buchanan’s legacy is one of missed opportunities and failures that had catastrophic consequences for the United States.
James Buchanan’s Connection to Pork and Sauerkraut
Pork and sauerkraut is a dish with strong ties to the Pennsylvania Dutch, a community that Buchanan was closely connected to through his Lancaster home. Traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck, pork and sauerkraut represents prosperity and the hope for a bountiful year ahead.
Buchanan’s love for this dish likely stemmed from its significance in local culture and its comforting, homey flavors.
Buchanan would have enjoyed pork and sauerkraut as a reminder of his Pennsylvania heritage, a connection to the land and people he cherished. This dish, with its blend of savory pork and tangy sauerkraut, offers a taste of the past, reflecting the traditions of a simpler time.
Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe
Pork and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds sauerkraut drained and rinsed
- 1 apple peeled and grated (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.
Browning the Pork:
- In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork pieces and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients:
- Add the sauerkraut to the pot, along with the grated apple and caraway seeds if using. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, and return the browned pork to the pot, nestling it into the sauerkraut mixture.
Braising:
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Braise the pork and sauerkraut for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Serving:
- Serve the pork and sauerkraut hot, with mashed potatoes or rye bread on the side. This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Video
Notes
- Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Loin: Pork shoulder is the preferred cut for this dish due to its higher fat content, which results in tender, juicy meat after slow cooking. However, pork loin can be used for a leaner option, though it may require careful monitoring to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
- Rinsing the Sauerkraut: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can rinse the sauerkraut before cooking to remove some of its acidity. For a more robust, tangy taste, use it straight from the jar or package without rinsing.
- Adding Apples: The addition of a grated apple to the sauerkraut mixture adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish’s tanginess. This is a common practice in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes and complements the savory pork beautifully.