When John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as President of the United States in 1961, many eyes were on the young, Catholic politician. Standing faithfully beside him was his young beautiful wife, Jackie Kennedy, in a silk chiffon, off-white, sleeveless gown.
This beautiful young woman soon arrived at the White House to find it in a state of 18th century, boring taste. Jackie vowed to make 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue a “showcase of American art and history,” where glamour and beauty could flourish.
Jackie also promised to change the culinary scene of the White House, hiring Rene Verdon to simplify and elevate the meals served to visiting monarchs, politicians and celebrities.
In the same way that Jackie Kennedy transformed the White House, you too can transform the way your friends socialize at college, by throwing a simple yet elegant Jackie Kennedy party in your own dorm room
Dessert
One of Jackie Kennedy’s favorite desserts to serve in the White House was the French classic, strawberries Romanoff, a dish she served to Princess Grace of Monaco.
This recipe is a slight alteration of Verdon’s original recipe, to accommodate a college-friendly budget.
Strawberries Romanoff
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate strawberries in orange juice and sugar for 30 minutes.
Remove ice cream from freezer, allowing it to soften for 15 minutes. Then, mix half of the can of whipped cream into the ice cream.
Serve the ice cream mixture topped with sweetened strawberries.
Garnish with mint.
Jackie’s Guilty Pleasures
Supposedly, Jackie Kennedy fancied a glass of champagne every day, and although she rarely let herself be photographed doing so, she chain-smoked cigarettes.
Save money by providing your guests a glass of cheap sparkling wine from Whole Foods, and a pack of Jackie’s favorite Newport cigarettes.
Even better, honor Jackie’s love for everything French by serving some gluten-free French macarons.
Lastly, be sure to give your guests a fabulous evening at your very own Jackie Kennedy party, bidding farewell to each with a smile and some pithy and witty words of wisdom from Jacqueline Kennedy, such as “I want to live my life not record it,” or perhaps more importantly, “Sex is a bad thing because it rumples the clothes.”
