Welcome back to episode two of time travel with food! That's right, we are going back in time and we are cooking vintage recipes from the 1950's! These recipes from America's history are not very popular anymore in mainstream society. I hope you enjoy reading and learn a little about the past! And maybe you get an idea or two for some new (old) receipts to try!
Welcome to the 1950's in America
There was a lot of meat in 1950's recipes, because meat had previously been rationed in the 1940's during World War II. Now chicken, beef, turkey, pork, etc. all took center stage in American's diets. Hence, meatloaf. Backyard barbeques and frozen TV dinners rose to popularity during this decade, along with "convenience foods" such as canned soup.
Lunch in the 1950's - Chicken Amadine / Almondine
I had never heard of chicken almondine before, but it's something I'm definitely going to make again! It's a simple casserole that tastes delicious and lasts for several days in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers.
It consist primarily of rice, chicken, green beans and almonds. That's a healthy source of carbs, two sources of protein, green veggies and healthy fats. It's easy to make and I kept going in for more helpings! The sliced almonds give it a really pleasing crunch, and the green beans help add moisture to the rice and chicken so they don't taste too dry.
You can get the recipe for this delicious casserole is from Taste of Home, and I definitely recommend it!
Dinner in the 1950's - Meatloaf
Okay, here's the notorious meatloaf. Yep, it smelled as gross as it looks. After World War II ended, processed foods became the new craze in the 1950's.
The convenience and ease of canned food allowed housewives to buy so much of their time back. No more slaving away over a simmering pot to make tomato sauce - they could just pop open a can! And the number of grocery stores DOUBLED from 1948 to 1958, making those shiny cans that much more within reach of the American family.
The recipe for this vintage meatloaf (if you dare to try it) is from Click Americana.
When my Grandma got married and moved from South Korea to America, she didn't know how to cook the American-style food my Grandpa had grown up on. So my Grandma learned how to make meatloaf and served it to my Grandpa... for like three years straight! My Grandpa didn't have the heart to tell his beloved bride that he didn't even like meatloaf! Can you imagine?!
Eventually, he asked her, "do we have anything else to eat besides meatloaf?" And I think she took the hint and started cooking other things.
Dessert in the 1950's - Ambrosia Salad
Ever since I was a kid, my mom would whip up a delicious dessert comprised of yogurt and fruit. It was so delicious! The creamy yogurt coats fresh fruit such as grapes, strawberries and bananas. Mmhmm, it is one of my favorites!
This ambrosia salad from the fifties reminds me of that delicious treat my mom used to make. But this one is as if a five year-old made it, because it's also loaded with mini marshmallows! It's like sweetness to the max.
The recipe for this vintage ambrosia salad is from The Tasty Tip, if you want to make it at home!
ordinaryfabgirl says
Looks yummy
strawberryandcream says
Thank you!! ðŸ˜
Yum-number1 says
Your story about your grandparents is actually funny...meatloaf everyday!! Hahah. Great post and awesome pictures!
strawberryandcream says
Haha thank you! They both laugh about it now but I'm sure it was somethin else at the time 😆
Azilde Elizabeth says
The Ambrosia salad reminds me having it as a kid. Very tasty but super sweet! I'm enjoying these vintage recipes and history. Keep up the amazing posts 😊
strawberryandcream says
Thank you so much! 🥰😄
Did your ambrosia salad as a kid have marshmallows in it? I just think that's the funniest thing, to put marshmallows in a “saladâ€! Lol
Azilde Elizabeth says
😆 that is funny! No I've never heard of marshmallows in a salad!
strawberryandcream says
The word “salad†is definitely used creatively and liberally ðŸ˜
Azilde Elizabeth says
😂 yes!
Sarah Davis says
I enjoy reading vintage cookbooks. This is a fun time travel. I still see Ambrosia Salad at Easter and Thanksgiving. Some tea rooms serve if frozen in the summer. Some of the tea rooms occasionally serve Chicken Almondine or Chicken Divine.
strawberryandcream says
That is so cool - where are the tea rooms that serve this dishes? I would want to make a geographical travel for that! 😄
Sarah Davis says
These little hidden gems are throwbacks to another time that still hang on in Southern towns. There are a couple I patronize in Nashville, TN.