×

Cooking on the prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder topic of presentation

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Earlier this week at the State Center City Hall, Laura Ingalls Wilder historian Sarah Uthoff (right) stepped back in time and gave attendees a literal taste of what Wilder’s life was like, in a hands-on cooking demonstration that was free and open to the public. Here young helper Ellie Kendall (left) learns how to dry plums. The event was sponsored by Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau, and presented by the Gutekunst Public Library.

STATE CENTER — For generations, writer Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) has captured the hearts and imaginations of a legion of fans. Earlier this week at the State Center City Hall, historian Sarah Uthoff stepped back in time and gave attendees a literal taste of what Wilder’s life was like, in a hands-on cooking demonstration that was free and open to the public.

Sponsored by Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau, and presented by the Gutekunst Public Library, “In the Kitchen with Laura” was an hour-long program aimed at those who love the famed author, and people interested in old-fashioned cooking methods.

Uthoff, who portrayed Wilder for the presentation, circa 1930s, took the audience on a journey, sharing stories about Wilder’s childhood and adult years, explaining how women on the prairie had to be resourceful when it came to food preservation and preparation.

Using volunteers from the audience (many children’s hands eagerly went up), Uthoff prepared several edible treats using historically accurate methods, recipes and utensils. She and her young assistants showed the audience the process of how to dry plums, make homemade baking powder biscuits, and prepare ginger water — the drink of choice when working long hours in the hot prairie heat.

Attendees got to sample many of the treats, and take home a sheet listing some special recipes including one for Wilder’s famed gingerbread.

“I’m a fan of Laura, and when I found out Sarah travels around doing this program, I invited her to come, as this year marks the 150th anniversary of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birth,” said Mara Edler, director of the Gutekunst Public Library. “We are so excited for the great turnout we had for this.”

This month, the library’s DogEars Book Club read “Little House on the Prairie” in honor of Wilder.

Uthoff earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history education and a Masters of Library Science from the University of Iowa. She currently serves as director of the Oxford Public Library in Oxford and as a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. She is considered an authority on all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, and she gives a variety of talks and presentations. Learn more by visiting her blog: trundlebedtales.wordpress.com.

To learn more about the Gutekunst Public Library and its programs and services, contact Edler at 641-483-2741 and maraedler.lib@gmail.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today