In the midst of a discussion about Black cuisine, social media users are learning about James Hemings, an enslaved Black man who perfected the mac and cheese recipe. One Twitter user shed light on Hemings by sharing a source that suggested that the chef created the dish, but his owner, Thomas Jefferson, took credit for it.
i had no idea! and according to wikipedia, james hemings first called his dish "macaroni pie". #BlackHistoryMonth
pic.twitter.com/ISybsmA6Rm— the gryphoneer resurrections (@OneRadChee) February 3, 2022
While Hemings is still largely unknown to many people, several sources identify him as the creator of the mac and cheese recipe that is still widely used today. Chevonne Ball, a sommelier who has conducted vast research on the history of food and wine, said the first recipes involving pasta and cheese date to 14th century Italy. According to the Oregon Wine Press, Ball said the dish eventually evolved and migrated across Europe.
Jefferson, who tasted the dish while visiting Europe, brought back the concept to his chef, according to Ball.
“He was an enslaved African man named James Hemings, who perfected macaroni and cheese as we know it today, which is a staple in soul food and a big deal in Black culture," Ball said, according to the Oregon Wine Press. "If you don’t make it right, you could be ostracized from the family.”
The chef is now getting his flowers as several social media users hear his name for the first time.
This is a black history lesson I can get behind. Thanks James Hemings, you've revolutionaized a whole dinner table. ????????????✨
— ???????????????? ｢Wrong Side of the River｣ ???? (@inu_bakaa) February 3, 2022
You won't get told such things unless you dig deeper for them. They rely on you just swallowing their half-truths and lies.
On that note, Jefferson was a horrible human being.
— AudeS, a not so wise Wisent ????️???? (@dreaming_AudeS) February 3, 2022
Jefferson, who preferred Hemings’ recipe over the European version, served the dish at a state dinner he hosted at the White House in the early 1800s, Sonoma Magazine reports. After becoming popular among America's elite, macaroni and cheese gained recognition across the country. In 1937, Kraft Foods created the Mac and Cheese brand that remains popular today.
High on the Hog, a Netflix documentary that features Black history, food, recipes and tradition, tells the story of how enslaved people influenced Southern cuisine. Hemings, who was born as a mixed-race enslaved person, is one of the chefs featured in the documentary, First Coast News reports.
Additionally, Hemings is credited for introducing meringue, firm ice cream and whipped ice cream.
