Christmas at Mount Vernon

Holiday cheer abounds at Mount Vernon with a multitude of seasonal highlights marking the Christmastime celebration.

In one creative exhibit, the first United States president’s home hosts a White House chef who researched and created unique delectable delights for more than 40 queens, kings, princes, princesses and heads of state.

Chef Roland Mesnier and his team of chefs from L’Academie de Cuisine have worked dozens hours to create a five-foot-wide and three-foot-tall gingerbread replica of George Washington’s Mansion. The process involved using 225 pounds of gingerbread, 75 pounds of chocolate, and 35 pounds of marzipan. From November 12 through 24, visitors have been able to watch as Mesnier and his team created the gingerbread mansion, servants’ hall, and kitchen outbuildings.

A small opening on the side of the Mansion shows the Washingtons’ bedroom. There is also an opening in kitchen outbuilding, showing the preparations for a holiday meal. Intricate details such as works of art on walls, marzipan Washington family figures, and over 40 animals were created by hand.

 

One of the most renowned pastry chefs of this century, the legendary Dr. Roland Mesnier has created thousands of elegant and dazzling desserts for American presidents, their families and the world's foremost dignitaries for more than 25 years. One of nine children, Dr. Roland Mesnier was born on July 8, in the tiny village of Bonnay, France, population 140. He began his career in the kitchen at age 14 as an apprentice. He worked from 6 am to 8 pm, six days a week and in exchange received a few dollars a month, room and board, and most valuable of all, pastry lessons. He worked in many different kitchens throughout Europe, the Savoy (London), the George V (Paris), the Princess Hotels, Governor's Palace in Bermuda, and the prestigious Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

In 1979, First Lady Rosalyn Carter hired Chef Mesnier. He became the sole pastry chef and molded the pastry kitchen into his own. In the White House, Chef Mesnier researched and created unique delectable delights for more than 40 queens, kings, princes, princesses and heads of state. His books available at the Mount Vernon gift shop include Dessert University: More Than 300 Spectacular Recipes and Essential Lessons from White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier.

The gingerbread Mansion replica will be on display as part of the Christmas at Mount Vernon daytime event, which begins on November 27.

Another Christmas visitor, back by popular demand, is Aladdin, a camel who is “playing the part” of the camel that George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring to Mount Vernon for a 1787 Christmas celebration.

In another seasonal event, Martha Washington hosts an 18th century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Visitors will meet other friends and family of the president and first lady, learn about 18th century holiday cooking, see Martha Washington’s Great Cake, and receive a recipe to try the cake at home.

Other holiday treats at Mount Vernon include twelve festive Christmas trees; the American Heritage Chocolate Program; visits to the third floor of the mansion, which is open only during Christmastime; period dancing demonstrations; Christmas scenarios throughout Mount Vernon; and more.

Seasonal hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, free. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon. More information is available at www.MountVernon.org.

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For a look at untraditional gingerbread houses in a 2009 competition, click here.

To read more about the history of chocolate at Mount Vernon, click here.