My wife collects crème brûlée when she travels like other people collect shot glasses, spoons, or tea towels! Thomas Jefferson, the foodie, was responsible for making crème brûlée popular in the United States!

How many of you have been enticed to try crème brûlée when you have seen it featured on a dessert menu? James Hemings, the enslaved chef of Thomas Jefferson, becomes America’s first French trained chef while Jefferson is serving as minister to France from 1784 to 1789. He develops his French culinary skills as an apprentice for Monsieur Combeaux, a well-known caterer and restaurateur, and in the kitchen of the Prince of Condé. Through his experiences, this dessert is introduced to America along with many other popular dishes, such as macaroni pie, which will come to be known as macaroni and cheese.

In honor of National Crème Brûlée Day on Sunday, we have a delectable little challenge for you! Can you match the images of crème brûlée to the cities where they were tasted? Here are a few hints: 1) Chocolate flavors were only tried in the USA. 2) One European city did not use a ramekin. 3) Madeleine cookies were added on the side in this most northern city; also in Europe. Have fun playing around! Top 3 to receive some 250 year celebration stickers!

Lafayette will spent a week at Monticello visiting with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. I would love to know what they talked about as they reflected on their immense role in United States and world history. Lafayette, the author of the French Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen, Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and Madison, the father of the Constitution and author of the Bill of Rights, all gathered in the same spot – what an amazing meeting.

Thank you to The American Friends of Lafayette for recreating this fabulous tour to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s tour and his amazing life!

Vive Lafayette!