Thomas Jefferson, inventor—no no bringer, wait no that was James Hemings, thank you commenters…oh yeah the man who popularized—Mac and cheese to the United States, actually enjoyed a recipe that called for soaking bread in wine and topping it with the Kraft classic?? Yeah. Is it good? It could be. It is drunken? Oh yeah. Is it perfect for every Fourth of July, Presidents’ Day or Flag Day celebration? Sure if you’re okay with the consequences. | Cookin’ with Congress

James Hemings: The Culinary Genius Who Brought French Cuisine to America When we think of American comfort food, macaroni and cheese often tops the list. But few people realize that its origins in the U.S. can be traced back to James Hemings, an enslaved African American chef who trained in France and forever changed the nation's culinary landscape. His influence didn’t stop there—Hemings is also credited with introducing crème brûlée, meringues, French-style fries, and other gourmet dishes to A