Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, a symbol of history and leadership carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota. While visiting, I decided to take a step back in time and make Thomas Jefferson’s famous Vanilla Ice Cream recipe—one of the earliest recorded ice cream recipes in America. This experience combined history and culinary tradition in a way I never expected.

A Brief History of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum designed the monument in the 1920s to represent the nation's founding, expansion, preservation, and unification. Jefferson was chosen for his role in the Louisiana Purchase and his vision for a growing America.

Carving the monument was a massive undertaking. Work began in 1927 and continued for 14 years, with over 400 workers using dynamite and drills to shape the granite faces. Despite challenges, the final result became a lasting tribute to American leadership.

Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy in Ice Cream

Beyond politics, Jefferson left his mark on American cuisine. He is often credited with popularizing ice cream in the United States, bringing back recipes from his time in France. His handwritten vanilla ice cream recipe, dating back to the 1780s, is one of the earliest known in America.

At the time, making ice cream was no easy task. Without modern refrigeration, ice had to be stored underground or packed in salt to keep the mixture cold enough to freeze. The process was labor-intensive and expensive, making ice cream a luxury enjoyed by the wealthy. Jefferson’s recipe, however, was so well-loved that it was served at White House dinners and became a symbol of hospitality.

Making Jefferson’s Vanilla Ice Cream at Mount Rushmore

Inspired by history, I decided to recreate Jefferson’s ice cream recipe while visiting Mount Rushmore. Here’s what I used:

Ingredients

• 2 quarts heavy cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 6 egg yolks

Instructions

1. Heat the Cream – In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat. Add the split vanilla bean and let it steep.
2. Whisk the Yolks and Sugar – In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
3. Temper the Mixture – Slowly pour some of the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Then return everything to the saucepan.
4. Cook Until Thickened – Stir over low heat until the custard coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and strain.
5. Chill and Churn – Let the mixture cool, then churn in an ice cream maker until it reaches a thick consistency. Freeze for a few hours before serving.

The Experience: A Taste of History

Making this ice cream at Mount Rushmore felt like blending two parts of history—the visionary leadership of Jefferson and the timeless tradition of ice cream. The result was a rich, creamy dessert with a deep vanilla flavor, just as it would have tasted over 200 years ago.

This experience was a reminder of how food connects us to the past. Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream recipe is not just about dessert; it’s a reflection of early American innovation and hospitality.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Mount Rushmore and making this historic ice cream recipe was a unique way to engage with history. It reminded me that behind every monument and every great leader, there are stories—some political, some culinary, and all worth remembering. If you ever visit Mount Rushmore, I highly recommend trying Jefferson’s ice cream recipe. It’s a delicious way to step back in time and savor a piece of American history.