As soon as I hear phrases like “back to school” or “football season,” my mind shifts to the kitchen. While summer brings its share of culinary delights, it often lacks the cozy cooking sessions that fall and winter inspire. There’s something magical about preparing hearty dishes that fill your home with enticing aromas. Recently, I’ve been revisiting the ‘Little House on the Prairie’ series with my children, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the recipes described in the books 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 crave a bag of popcorn, although I quickly realized it was no match for the authentic popped corn described in the stories. This autumn, I’m excited to add “try Little House recipes” to my fall bucket list. Here are the nine recipes I plan to start with.
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Vanity Cakes
Of all the delightful recipes in the ‘Little House’ series, vanity cakes have stuck with me since childhood. Not only are these cakes sweet, but they also come with an important lesson from Ma, who tells her daughters that they are “vanity cakes” because they puff up but are hollow inside. I can’t wait to recreate this nostalgic treat. -
Dumplings
I adore dumplings—my mother and grandmother made some incredible versions—but I’ve never tried making them myself. Mrs. Ingalls prepared them for special guests: “Ma had cooked an especially good supper because they had company. There was stewed jackrabbit with white-flour dumplings and plenty of gravy.” I’m excited to try this recipe for Little House buttermilk dumplings from Food.com. -
Fried Chicken
Laura often took fried chicken in her lunch to school, and in “These Happy Golden Years,” she reminisces about enjoying it alongside summer peas and potatoes. I occasionally whip up fried chicken but have yet to experiment with the brining technique mentioned in the book. -
Fried Apples and Onions
Almanzo’s favorite dish, featured in “Farmer Boy,” is this tasty combination. Honestly, I’m a sucker for anything fried. I’m planning to serve this alongside bacon and sweet rolls for a delicious autumn meal. -
Maple Taffy Candy
In “Little House in the Big Woods,” Grandma pours maple syrup over fresh snow that the girls collect. While I could easily drink maple syrup straight, my kids would love to try this snow-topped version. -
Vinegar Pie
This recipe intrigues me, even if I’m a bit skeptical. I imagine it could taste somewhat like a budget-friendly lemon pie—tart yet sweet. I’m eager to try this recipe that includes a hint of maple. -
Green Pumpkin Pie
Ma was known for her resourcefulness, and the green pumpkin pie in “The Long Winter” likely served as a way to make use of the early pumpkin harvest. This recipe adds apple for extra sweetness, making it a perfect fall dessert. -
Doughnuts
While “Farmer Boy” may not be my favorite book in the series, the food descriptions are unforgettable. One that stands out is when Almanzo enjoys a freshly made doughnut. I can’t wait to see if The Little House Cookbook has instructions for the cruller-like shape I’ve always wanted to try. If you’re eager to start, check this recipe out. -
Dried-Apple Sauce
In “By the Shores of Silver Lake,” Laura helps Ma set the table with a variety of delicious dishes, including dried-apple sauce. The recipe seems simple—just reconstituting dried apples with hot water and sugar—but I might also substitute in some apple butter for a fall twist.
So go ahead, embrace the phrases “back to school,” “football,” or even “sweater weather.” I’ll be stocking up on apples and maple syrup while eagerly anticipating the autumn chill, and perhaps indulging in some reading ahead of my kids in the ‘Little House’ books. For more intriguing content, check out this post here.
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In summary, these nine recipes not only celebrate the flavors of fall but also pay homage to the heartwarming stories of the ‘Little House’ series. I can’t wait to share these dishes with my family as we embrace the season together.
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