Ye Olde Tavern Life

Thomas Jefferson's Sweet Potato Biscuits

This recipe is from the National Constitution Center (NCC), Philadelphia PA. According to the NCC, Thomas Jefferson's biscuits were served at the first meeting of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and are served today at the famous City Tavern (built in 1773) located in Philadelphia's historic district at 2nd and Walnut Streets.

30 min | 15 min prep

SERVES 10 -12 , 10 -12 biscuits

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sweet potato, mashed (about 1 large Virginia Sweet Potato)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Combine the dry ingredients. Add butter with fork, food processor or pastry cutter until the texture is small crumbs.

Combine milk and sweet potatoes. Add to flour mixture. Add pecans.

Knead dough with your hands until it is a smooth mass. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2" thickness and cut with a 2" biscuit cutter.

Place on a greased baking sheet 2" apart.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.