Vanity cakes

Remember in On the Banks of Plum Creek, when Ma made a special treat for Laura's party? Ma made what she called "vanity cakes" to serve to the country girls. Turn to chapter 23 "Country Party" to read a bit about vanity cakes. 

Here's a quote from Laura herself about vanity cakes:
"It seems strange that I never learned to make them. I know they were mostly egg and were fried in deep fat as doughnuts are. They were to be eaten hot. Were crunchy, not sweetened and were so light, really a bubble that they seemed almost nothing in one's mouth. They were a golden color when fried. I suppose the egg yolks helped in their coloring. They simply puffed up when fried until they were nothing but a bubble: Vanity cakes."
-Laura Ingalls Wilder, as quoted in The Little House Cookbook. 

The Little House Cookbook has an approximation of vanity cakes. You can find this recipe on the internet too, but it seems like some other bloggers had trouble getting the cakes to fry properly. Anyhow, we have no shortage of fried treats to satisfy out cravings in this modern day. 

Come back Wednesday for more Little House fun! 
Elizabeth