Our story today starts with a young Texan hitch hiking his way to college … and ends with him eating a light lemon dessert in the White House. Known for his “creative” use of words and a killer sweet tooth, Lyndon Baines Johnson is the only US President in history to graduate from a Texas University. Do you know which one? At the time it was called Southwest Texas State Teachers College, but you may know it now as Texas State University. Where would be a better place to prepare one of LBJ’s favorite desserts than at his Alma Mater? Texicureans gathered in the kitchen of Texas State University President Kelly and First Lady Beth Damphousse to make an LBJ favorite: Lemon Snow Pudding. Skip ahead for the recipe.
LBJ
In 1927, a 19-year-old Lyndon Baines Johnson borrowed $75 and hitchhiked from his parent’s home in Johnson City, Texas to enroll at Southwest Texas State Teachers College (the name at that time). It was here that he began to distinguish himself as a leader by making the debate team, co-founding a secret organization called the Alpha and Omega, and becoming editor of The College Star.
His debate coach and government professor, Howard Greene, soon recognized Johnson’s political ability. College President Dr. C.E.Evans was so impressed by Johnson’s drive that he even offered a place to stay in his garage apartment to help with his tenuous financial situation.
Graduating in 1930, Johnson became a teacher in Houston and soon after headed to Washington DC. Starting as a congressional aide he quickly moved to elected positions including congressman, senator, VicePresident, and then President of the United States.
Johnson honored his Alma Mater by returning there in 1965 to sign the Higher Education Act into law. He declared, “Here the seeds were planted from which grew my firm conviction that for the individual, education is the path to achievement and fulfillment; for the nation it is a path to a society that is not only free but civilized; and for the world, it is the path to peace – for it is education that places reason over force.”
The young man who at first scorned his mother’s advice to attend college, recognized its changing impact on him and ultimately wanted to be known as the education president.
About Texas State University
Set among the hills of the Edwards Plateau and along the San Marcos river, Texas State University was founded in 1899 and just celebrated 125 years! Established as Southwest Texas State Normal School, the school’s founding and defining purpose was to train the future teachers of Texas. Construction on the Iconic Old Main began in 1902. This landmark building still stands as an enduring symbol for students and Alumni.
Texas State University boasts the only Texas university to graduate a President of the United States. Welcoming more that 40,000 students this fall, Texas State University now offers over 200 undergraduate studies and over 100 masters, specialist, and doctoral programs.
And did I mention that Texas State University is my Alma Mater?
Lemon Snow Pudding
Many of us love our sweets, but LBJ had a hearty appetite for them. We found the recipe for this light and fluffy desert in The White House Family Cookbook by Whitehouse Executive Chef Henry Haller. Chef Haller served five presidents – from the Johnson family to the Reagan family.
Lemon Snow Pudding with Custard Sauce is light, uses fresh lemon juice, and satiates your sweet tooth. The ever-gracious First Lady of Texas State, Beth Damphousse and I had a great time preparing this dish in her kitchen. I encourage you to whip up this recipe at home. You might even find yourself invoking LBJ’s phrase, “give me some more of that hot air!”
You can order The White House Family Cookbook from: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/collections/bookstore-books-and-journals/products/the-white-house-family-cookbook
Enter Family20 to receive a 20% discount!
And of course visit www.texicureans.com and join our recipe club for more Texas recipes and all things Texas.
Lemon Snow Pudding
Equipment
- 1 double boiler
Ingredients
- 3 packages (3/4 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 lemon peel, grated
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In the top of a double boiler, dissolve gelatin in 1/2 cup water. Add lemon juice and peel. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar with remaining 1/2 cup water and boil over high heat until the mixture reaches the medium ball state (238℉ on a candy thermometer.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar syrup to egg whites, beating constantly, until the mixture is frothy like meringue.
- Add dissolved gelatin and beat it thoroughly.
- Pour into a 1 ½ quart mold and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm. * see notes
- To unmold, set form in hot water for several seconds before turning out onto a deep serving platter. Serve with colorful fruits such a strawberries or b lack cherries and Custard Sauce* if desired.
Video
Notes
Custard Sauce
Equipment
- 1 double boiler
Ingredients
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- In the top of a double boiler, beat egg yolks with sugar using a wire whisk.
- Stir in warm milk.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla
- Set the pan in a bowl of ice and continuing stirring until the sauce is cool. Refrigerate until serving time.