In Utah, we celebrate a State Holiday on July 24th commemorating the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
Last May, we were able to go to Switzerland and visit the home/farm/family/village were my ancestors migrated from. It left a huge impression on us all, but especially my daughter.
Because my husband and I both have pioneer ancestry, we’ve started a little Pioneer Day Dinner Tradition that’s quickly become a family favorite.
We set a simple table, make a “pioneer” meal (menu below), + tell the stories of our ancestors + talk about the sacrifices, miracles, and hardships they endured to come to Utah.
After Visiting Switzerland last May, our daughter dressed up and created a little skit all about a pioneer ancestor. She had a great time planning the story for us, and it was a great addition to our Pioneer Dinner.
We set a simple table.
We eat out of pie tins, I found these in a 2 pack at the dollar store (similar here). Drink from Mason jars (here) with red and white straws (here). Use simple gingham napkins (similar here), and clip beautiful Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans) from the garden to place in a mason jar.
I think this year I’ll also add dried lavender bunches from the garden onto each plate.
I make it easy on my self and make the same meal every year.
Our menu includes: The BEST Instant pot Beef Stew (recipe from A Bountiful Kitchen & adapted to be made gluten free), my favorite cornbread (recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, adapted to be made gluten free) + handmade butter (recipe here + below), fresh garden veggies of some assortment, graham cracker covered wagons (recipe here + below), and Blackberry Cobbler for dessert (recipe here + below). All Gluten Free of course!
Easy Edible Pioneer Covered Wagons
You’ll need:
-Graham crackers broken into 1/4’s (For a Gluten Free Covered Wagon, use these or these, but keep whole)
–Large marshmallows (vegan option here)
–Life savers (or any round candy with a hole in center)
-Stick pretzels (my favorite Gluten free option)
-Frosting (here)
Using frosting, secure 2 pretzels to bottom of Graham cracker for “axle”. Turn over & slide life savors onto pretzel stick ends. Apply more frosting to top of graham cracker & secure 2 marshmallows. Let frosting dry. Viola!
We love making homemade butter to enjoy with our Pioneer Day Feast.
For those of you wanting to try your hand at homemade butter, it’s a super simple + fun activity for kids!
My daughter & hubby shook up this butter whilst I was baking the Gluten Free Corn Bread.
Hand Churned Butter:
-Heavy cream
-pinch of salt
. small Mason jar
Fill a jar (we used a pint sized Mason jar) halfway with heavy cream, add a pinch of salt, screw on the lid, & start shaking!
When the cream separates from the cloudy liquid, pour the liquid out. Keep shaking until the cream becomes a yellowish ball. Serve.
It’s so delicious and creamy!
{Gluten Free} Blackberry Cobbler.
You guys, this Blackberry Cobbler is so yummy + simple + super quick to throw together (the longest time requirement is the time spent baking-1 hour). My kind of recipe!!
Blackberry Cobbler
-1 stick of butter (melted)
-1 1/4 cup sugar
-1 cup Gluten Free all purpose flour (or regular all purpose flour for those of you who don’t need GF)
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp salt .
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 2 cups fresh blackberries (I bet frozen would work too)
Mix 1 cup of sugar (saving the other 1/4 cup) + Flour in bowl. Whisk in milk. Pour in melted butter and whisk well.
Butter baking dish (I used 10 inch pie pan)
Pour batter into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle blackberries evening over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup sugar over the top.
Bake 350 for 1 hour, or until bubbly & golden.
Serve with cream or ice cream {or both!}
*Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Happy Pioneer Day!
xo,
Carly
The Garden Spot 