Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, led the nation through the initial years of the Great Depression. Despite his challenging presidency, Hoover was known for his humanitarian work and his belief in self-reliance and personal responsibility.
When it came to food, Hoover enjoyed the simple pleasures, with sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows being a particular favorite. This traditional dish, often served during holidays, reflects Hoover’s love for classic American comfort food.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Hoover’s life, his presidency, and his connection to sweet potatoes with marshmallows. We’ll also share a recipe that brings this nostalgic dish to your table.
Early Life and Humanitarian Efforts
Herbert Hoover was born on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa, into a family of Quakers. Orphaned at a young age, Hoover was raised by relatives and developed a strong work ethic.
After attending Stanford University, Hoover became a successful mining engineer, working around the world. His humanitarian work during World War I, where he organized food relief efforts in Europe, earned him international praise and respect.
The Presidency: The Onset of the Great Depression
Hoover was elected as the 31st President of the United States in 1928, at a time of economic prosperity. However, less than a year into his presidency, the stock market crashed in October 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.
Hoover’s response to the economic crisis, while focused on self-reliance and limited government intervention, was criticized for not being aggressive enough to address the widespread suffering.
Despite his best efforts, Hoover’s policies did not succeed in halting the economic downturn, and his presidency became synonymous with the hardships of the Great Depression.
After losing the 1932 election to Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hoover continued to be active in public life, working on various humanitarian projects.
Legacy of Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover’s legacy is one of complexity. While his presidency is often overshadowed by the Great Depression, his pre-presidential career as a humanitarian and his post-presidential contributions to global relief efforts remain significant.
Hoover’s commitment to public service and his belief in the power of individual action continue to shape how he is remembered.
Herbert Hoover’s Favorite Food: Sweet Potato Casserole
A Presidential Favorite at the Dinner Table
Herbert Hoover’s fondness for sweet potatoes with marshmallows reflects his appreciation for the simple, comforting foods that many Americans cherished during the early 20th century.
As president during the onset of the Great Depression, Hoover often gravitated toward traditional dishes that brought a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst difficult times.
Sweet potatoes with marshmallows was one such dish—a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations across the country.
Historical Significance of Sweet Potatoes in American Cuisine
Sweet potatoes, native to the Americas, have long been a part of the American culinary tradition. In the South, they were a common crop and used in many households as a versatile ingredient.
By the early 20th century, sweet potatoes had become widely popular throughout the country, known for their nutritious qualities and natural sweetness.
For Hoover, who grew up in Iowa and spent much of his early career traveling across the country, sweet potatoes were likely a familiar, comforting dish that connected him to the rural, agricultural roots of the nation.
The Rise of Marshmallows in American Cooking
Marshmallows, a confection that traces its roots to ancient Egypt, became a staple in American cooking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mass production of marshmallows in the United States in the early 1900s made them an accessible ingredient for households across the nation.
It wasn’t long before innovative home cooks and food companies began promoting marshmallows as a topping for sweet potato casseroles.
In 1917, a popular recipe booklet published by the Angelus Marshmallow Company featured a recipe for “sweet potatoes baked with a marshmallow topping,” and it quickly became a holiday favorite.
By the time Hoover was serving as president in the late 1920s, the combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows had become a beloved dish in many American households, particularly during Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows: A Symbol of Comfort
For Herbert Hoover, sweet potatoes with marshmallows were likely more than just a delicious dish—they represented comfort, warmth, and tradition. As a president navigating the hardships of the Great Depression, Hoover understood the importance of comforting foods that brought a sense of stability and connection to the past.
Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness and nourishing qualities, paired perfectly with the light, sugary topping of marshmallows, offering a balance of flavors that symbolized the simple joys of American life.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork.
- Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Making the Filling:
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and place the flesh in a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes and stir until well combined.
Assembling the Dish:
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
- Keep an eye on the dish to avoid burning the marshmallows.
Serving:
- Serve the sweet potatoes with marshmallows hot as a side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting family meal.
Video
Notes
- Avoiding Over-Browning: To prevent the marshmallows from browning too quickly, you can add the marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking. This ensures that they are perfectly toasted without burning.
- Alternative Toppings: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of marshmallows or replace them with a crumbly pecan topping for added crunch.
- Holiday Favorite: Sweet potatoes with marshmallows pair perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It’s a versatile side dish that complements both savory and sweet flavors.