Just in time for Thanksgiving, a remarkable discovery has been made by an archivist at the Smithsonian Institution. Tucked away in a dusty storage room, a box labeled “the nicer china for trustee dinners” revealed a treasure trove of culinary and visual art history. Inside were recipes, cooking notes, and holiday menus from some of the most renowned artists in the United States. From Andrew Wyeth’s forlorn cornbread to Mary Cassatt’s heartwarming Thanksgiving pie, these records are now being shared for the first time in a Hyperallergic exclusive.
Andrew Wyeth’s Forlorn Cornbread recipe is a simple yet evocative dish. Combining cornmeal, buttermilk, and egg, the bread is baked in a cast-iron skillet to create a dry, austere loaf that pays homage to the arid landscapes of New England. Enjoy this cornbread alone, in a moment of melancholic silence, while contemplating the simplicity of rural America.
Mary Cassatt’s Thanksgiving Pie to Bake With Mother is a poignant reminder of the bond between a mother and child. As you bake a pie with your mother, savor the sweet aromas of pumpkin and spices filling the air. Let the memories of baking together create a lasting connection that will be cherished forever.
Richard Serra’s “Tilted Cranberry” provides a unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dish. Purchase a 120-foot heavily rusted tin can of cranberry jelly and cold-roll the sides to create a gentle sloping curve. Hollow out the jelly to experience the intimacy and claustrophobia of the cranberry from the inside, offering a new perspective on this classic holiday staple.
Edward Hopper’s Diner Dinner captures the solitude of a Thanksgiving meal in a bustling city. Sit alone in a diner, surrounded only by a pair of travelers and the bartender, and savor a cup of black coffee and a slice of pie as you reflect on the empty streets outside.
Jackson Pollock’s Gravy recipe is a playful take on a holiday staple. Lay out a white tablecloth on the floor and drip the gravy using sweeping motions that showcase your artistic flair. Take a swig of vodka for good measure and watch as your unconventional approach to gravy becomes a conversation piece at the dinner table.
Donald Judd’s Minimalist Meal challenges traditional notions of Thanksgiving dinner. Send detailed specifications to an industrial manufacturer for a meal that features identically sized sweet potatoes and a turkey intercepted by a metal pipe. Serve this minimalist meal to guests and revel in the simplicity of your culinary creation.
Ansel Adams’s Sublime Potato recipe emphasizes the beauty of simplicity. Capture the grandeur and rich tonal range of a potato through photography, allowing viewers to contemplate the majesty of this humble vegetable.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Uncomfortable Cabbage recipe adds a touch of whimsy to the dinner table. Cut a cabbage in half and arrange the sections suggestively, sparking awkward yet entertaining conversations about the sensuality of vegetables.
Alma Thomas’s Deconstructed Green Bean Casserole offers a vibrant and elegant take on a classic dish. Distill the components of the dish to their essential elements and arrange them in a concentric circle, reflecting on the beauty and transcendental possibilities of vegetables.
These unique and creative recipes from renowned artists provide a fresh perspective on traditional Thanksgiving dishes, inviting diners to explore the intersection of art and cuisine in a whole new way.
