As soon as someone mentions “fall” or “football season,” my mind starts racing with thoughts of cozy cooking. Sure, summer has its charm when it comes to food, but nothing compares to the warming aromas of autumn and winter meals filling your home. Recently, while revisiting the beloved Little House on the Prairie series with my son, I was pleasantly surprised to find how many of the food descriptions still make my mouth water—even the more unusual ones like jackrabbit stew or fried pig’s tail. Just reading about the popcorn made me reach for a bag of Pop Secret, which, let’s be real, doesn’t hold a candle to the old-fashioned popped corn from the books. This fall, I’m determined to dive into some Little House recipes with my boys. Here are the top nine I’m eager to try.
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Vanity Cakes
This is the dish that has lingered in my memory since I first encountered it decades ago. Not only are these cakes sweet, but Ma also shares a lesson with her daughters: they’re called vanity cakes because “they puff up and are hollow inside.” Sounds like a fun challenge to tackle! -
Dumplings
I adore dumplings—my mom and grandmother made the best—but I’ve never attempted them myself. In the books, Mrs. Ingalls prepared them for guests. The thought of stewed jackrabbit with fluffy white dumplings and gravy is enough to get my apron on. -
Fried Chicken
Laura takes fried chicken to school, and in These Happy Golden Years, she reminisces about enjoying it with summer peas and potatoes. I occasionally whip up fried chicken but haven’t yet tried the brining method. Time to change that! -
Fried Apples ‘n’ Onions
This dish is Almanzo’s favorite in Farmer Boy. Who can resist a fried hash? I’m planning to pair it with crispy bacon and warm sweet rolls for a cozy meal. -
Maple Taffy Candy
In Little House in the Big Woods, Grandma drizzles maple syrup over fresh snow, creating a delightful treat. While I’m tempted to guzzle maple syrup straight, I think my boys would love this fun snow version. -
Vinegar Pie
This is the recipe I’m most hesitant about, but I imagine it’s somewhat akin to a budget-friendly lemon pie—tart yet sweet. I’m intrigued, especially with the addition of maple syrup! -
Green Pumpkin Pie
Ma was a master at “making do,” and the green pumpkin pie from The Long Winter is a prime example of that. This recipe includes apples for added sweetness, making it an intriguing autumn dessert. -
Doughnuts
While Farmer Boy may not be my favorite book in the series character-wise, its food descriptions are mouthwatering. I can still picture Almanzo savoring a doughnut while his mother expertly prepares the golden dough. I’ll have to look for a recipe to create that cruller-like shape! -
Dried-Apple Sauce
In By the Shores of Silver Lake, Laura helps Ma set the table with a feast that includes dried-apple sauce. Reconstituting dried apples with hot water and sugar seems like a perfect way to recreate this dish, or I could swap in some apple butter—yum!
So, the next time you hear “back to school” or “sweater weather,” just know that I’m stocking up on apples and maple syrup, eagerly anticipating cozy kitchen adventures. And while I wait, I’ll be reading ahead in the Little House books with my kiddos.
Summary:
This article highlights nine delightful fall recipes from the Little House on the Prairie series, each inspired by the wholesome, hearty meals described in the beloved books. From vanity cakes to fried chicken, these recipes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of autumn cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to bring the flavors of fall into your home. For more information on home insemination, you can check out this resource and for a reliable kit, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.