St. Louis Working Women’s Show, which, back in the day, was called the Working Women’s Survival Show, is marking its 37th return to St. Louis this weekend.
The annual event has grown over the decades, addressing the unique needs and interests of today’s working women. This year’s event promises to deliver three days filled with food, fashion, fitness and fun at the St. Charles Convention Center from Friday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 18.
A special guest this year – who will also be cooking on the main stage Sunday – is Alison Arngrim, best known for playing Nellie Oleson on “Little House on the Prairie.” She will be cooking up the infamous dish that was featured on one of the show’s episodes where Laura Ingalls uses cayenne pepper instead of cinnamon to trick Nellie. It’s a tasty dish either way, but Arngrim will hold the cayenne and use cinnamon during her demonstration.
If you miss Arngrim’s demonstration, she will make multiple appearances all weekend and will sign autographs, take pictures with fans and sign copies of her popular autobiography, “Confessions of a Prairie Bitch.”
Other events and exhibits featured at this year’s show include the Wine & Spirits Garden spotlighting Missouri wineries who will be sampling some of their award-winning wines. Pampered in Paradise will offer hair styling experiences, and on the Main Stage, the Working Women’s Game Show returns with Bingo, Closer to the Price, Face Off and Feud.
The Maker’s Market is back, providing quality handmade items and Make-It & Take-It classes. Jim Davis from Holiday Home Creative will be presenting the classes and Arngrim will join him in the fun. Make It & Take It tickets will include all materials and in-person instructions.
New for 2024 is the Chef’s Corner, presenting an intimate table with the chef as he prepares new recipes. Participants will learn skills and get a taste of what he cooks. Seating will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat.
Another first for 2024 is the Working Women’s Show community outreach award, the Astonishing Working Women Award, celebrating women in St. Louis who are making a difference in the community.
The St. Louis Working Women’s Show will be held at St. Charles Convention Center. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are available online and at the door on show days.
Just in case you miss Arngrim’s cooking demo, she has shared her Cinnamon Chicken recipe – a dish that can be made with or without cayenne pepper.
Cinnamon Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup milk
1 – 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon black table pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy!)
Vegetable oil
Mix flour and spices in large bowl (big enough to dredge chicken breasts in) with a fork. Dunk chicken breasts in milk, then dredge in cinnamon flour mixture. Shake off excess flour form chicken. Set aside.
Heat oil over a medium high heat and fry for about 5 to 8 minutes each side until brown. (A nonstick pan and just enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom can also be used.)
Cooking tip: If chicken breasts are very thick, place them on a baking sheet in the oven, lightly tented with foil, at 350 for 10 minutes to cook through.
Makes four servings.
