Little House on the Prairie

 

As the holidays approach, we are reminded of Laura’s descriptions of the cozy cabin in the big woods near Pepin, Wisconsin and of the rustic, inviting setting of Ma’s kitchen. “Ma was busy all day long, cooking good things for Christmas. One morning she boiled molasses and sugar together until they made a thick syrup.” Molasses was heralded as both a sweetener and coveted for its medicinal properties during this time. We like to imagine the scene of Laura and Mary helping Ma bake molasses cookies for the first time and the look on their faces as they taste the delicious treat, relishing every bite. Share these easy to make treats with your family this holiday season.

Speaking of holiday treats, look no further than an old-fashioned eggnog to accompany your molasses cookies on the mantle. It’s not only good for cozy evenings at home but also for long workdays. In Farmer Boy, Almanzo says “Father always maintained that a man would do more work in his twelve hours, if he had a rest and all the egg-nog he could drink, morning and afternoon.” Today, we can find eggnog conveniently stocked in our supermarkets - but when it is such an easy recipe, why not try making old-fashioned eggnog right in your own kitchen?

As you make your holiday gift list, be sure to browse our favorite Little House on the Prairie gifts for all ages: Fun and creative paper toys of the Ingalls family by Cūbles. A beautiful Little House on the Prairie doll and accessory collection by The Queen’s Treasures. Scarves, writing gloves, and book accessories by Storiarts and Litographs. Pioneer activity boxes with crafts and activities by Lit League. Tote bags, home decor, and stationery on CaféPress.

Birthdays we're celebrating in November and December: Alison Balsom, celebrating November 19th, portrayed Nancy Oleson in the television series. Fun fact: Alison has been a professional solo classical trumpeter since 2001. Victor French was born December 4th. In addition to his role as Mr. Edwards on the "Little House" series, Victor also co-starred with Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven. Rose Wilder Lane, born December 5th, was the first daughter of Laura and Almanzo, and their only child who survived to adulthood. Matthew Labyorteaux, best known as Albert Ingalls in the television series, celebrates on December 8th. Melissa Ann Francis is celebrating on December 12th. Melissa played Cassandra Cooper Ingalls, who was adopted by Charles and Caroline on the TV series after the death of her parents. Caroline Ingalls, the matriarch of the Ingalls clan and mother of Laura Ingalls Wilder, was born on December 12th.

This month, we are spotlighting Karen Grassle's new autobiography, Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House’s Ma. We know Karen Grassle best as the proud prairie woman Caroline Ingalls (Ma), with her quiet strength and devotion to family, but this memoir introduces readers to the complex, funny, rebellious, and soulful woman who, in addition to being the force behind those many strong women she played, fought passionately―as a writer, producer, and activist―on behalf of equal rights for women. With humor and hard-won wisdom, Grassle takes readers on an inspiring journey. Get your own copy today.