The history of root beer & popular old brands: From healing tonic to a favorite soda
Who would’ve thought humble roots, herbs, and bark could spin such an effervescent tale? The history of root beer is both intriguing and surprising – take a look!
Vintage recipes
Here’s how to have a festive 4th of July with a vintage vibe!
Here are some fun ideas and recipes to give your 4th of July a truly retro vibe, plus a look back at the history of Independence Day!
Patriotic Jello desserts: Fun flag & Americana parfaits (1999)
Patriotic Jello desserts from the ’90s with red, white and blue layers are perfect for July 4, Memorial Day, Veterans Day or any all-American celebration.
Retro burgers! Hamburgers get a cheesy upgrade with this fun 1950s recipe
Retro burgers with a cheesy center and tangy tomato sauce? This 1950s Fancy-Pants recipe brings back big flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
Daylight time savers: Quick summer recipes that saved dinner in 1969
Quick summer recipes from 1969 bring retro charm and fast dinner fixes with soups, salads, casseroles and more from the Daylight Time-Savers cookbook.
Hershey’s Best Brownies: Quick, classic & mixed up from scratch in 5 minutes
Hershey’s best brownies are a classic fudgy treat made with cocoa and pantry staples in just five minutes. A vintage recipe that still holds up.
This Caribbean coconut chicken recipe from 1974 goes big on flavor
Serve your Caribbean coconut chicken with cornbread or French bread, pear-lettuce salad, and a full, dry white table wine.
How to make a vintage charcuterie board: 15 cool cold cut menu ideas – with some very interesting sides
See how to make a vintage charcuterie board made with retro-style cold cuts along with 1950s nibbles, like casseroles, old-school salads and more.
Jell-O gazpacho jiggler: This wild ’70s side dish will still turn heads at your summer BBQ
This Jell-O Gazpacho Jiggler salad is a gelatin version of gazpacho. It’s also dished up cold, but has the veggies and Worcestershire sauce suspended in a bouncy lemon Jello base.
Best ever BBQ sauce with bold flavor straight from the ’70s
This best ever BBQ sauce from 1973 is bold, easy to make, and better than anything in a bottle. A backyard favorite for hot dogs, burgers and more.
Chicken à l’orange: A delicious dinner recipe from the 60s
This 1960s version of the French dish chicken à l’orange is made easy enough for a weeknight dinner, thanks to handy ingredients like cornflake crumbs and orange juice.
8 retro meatloaf recipes that range from delicious to, uh, adventurous
Take a look at these retro meatloaf recipes from the 1960s — some delicious, some strange, and all full of vintage dinner table spirit.
Mint julep magic: 100 years of recipes, tricks & serious Southern pride (1862-1962)
It seems that there are almost as many old-fashioned mint julep recipes as there are people who enjoy the cocktails. Take a look at a century of the best how-tos!
Holy guacamole! This bold ’80s guacamole recipe makes a divine dip
A wonderful play of taste and texture, this Holy guacamole recipe combines avocados, savory herbs and spices, and just a dash of imagination.
Cool ‘n easy Easter pie: A festive pink no-bake dessert for spring from 1996
With strawberries appearing in the supermarket, now is the perfect time to try the simple favorite Cool ‘n Easy Easter Pie.
Festive 1950s-style Easter cakes with jelly beans & coconut
Easter cakes like these bring together all the things people used to love seeing on a holiday table: soft layers, a little citrus, and a pile of
Paint decorated Easter cookies to look like colorful eggs using this easy and clever technique
Make decorated Easter cookies a part of your holiday tradition with this cute Easter egg design. Why should Christmas have all the cookie fun?
This easy salt dough Easter bread basket project from 1976 is simple, sturdy & totally old-school
Bake an overnight bag for the Easter bunny, and something to put in it: An adorable retro-style salt dough Easter bread basket!
How to make retro ’70s daisy cakes with yellow, pink & white marshmallow flowers
See how decorating with frosting and cute little marshmallow flowers can turn angel food cakes into happiness you can eat!
10 sensational old-fashioned savory mushroom recipes (1912)
Mushroom recipes from 1912 show how home cooks turned humble mushrooms into hearty, flavorful dishes using simple, time-tested methods.
This sunburst chicken stir-fry recipe from 1985 turns simple ingredients into something amazing
Not only is pineapple amazing on its own, it also can be a delicious ingredient in lots of recipes — like this sunburst chicken stir-fry recipe from the 80s.
Anthony’s mouthwatering meatball recipe has one simple trick for extra tenderness (1997)
Great American cook Anthony Gaglione shares a prize family secret with this: Anthony’s mouthwatering meatball recipe!
This green pea salad recipe from 1970 is still ridiculously good today
When a friend of ours told us that she had concocted a green pea salad that her three children and her husband thoroughly approved, we begged for the recipe.
Original Grasshopper Pie: Get this amazing recipe direct from the source, plus find out how it was invented in 1966
This original Grasshopper Pie recipe creates a delicious and refreshing no-bake dessert, made up of a chocolate mint cream filling (with alcohol) in what’s basically an Oreo crust.
5 vintage chipped beef recipes, including the military’s famous SOS recipe
Creamed chipped beef – dried beef with white gravy – is also known as “s**t on a shingle” (SOS), and was often served to troops during World War II.
How to make refreshing frog lemonade: The old-fashioned fruity drink from New Orleans
You never heard of frog lemonade? Probably not — it’s a Southern drink that is perfectly delicious, invented back in New Orleans, Louisiana around 1894.
Vintage Lucky Clover St Patrick’s Day cake that keeps things simple – but delicious (1950)
No luck needed to bake this deliciously vintage Lucky Clover St Patrick’s Day cake! This recipe from 1950 promised to be tall, dark and delicious.
Manicotti cheese bake: An easy retro recipe from the 60s that still holds up
Here’s an easy retro recipe from the ’60s for a delicious Italian-style ricotta & mozzarella stuffed manicotti cheese bake!
Weird retro ways to serve pineapple (and a few good ideas, too) from the 1940s-90s
From meat glazes to unique salads and totally vintage-style jello molds, the most iconic tropical fruit can make itself useful in so many ways. Here are some weird – and some good – retro ways to serve pineapple.
This old-fashioned New England beef stew recipe from 1974 will warm your soul
With warm, rich flavors and tender pieces of meat and vegetables, New England beef stew is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on a cold winter evening!
Sweetheart fudge pie & Rocky road bar recipes: Vintage chocolate treats with a little extra flair (1982)
For Valentine’s Day, Washington’s Birthday or any day, give them something made with love, like these deliciously indulgent rocky road bars and a sweetheart fudge pie!
Hot Dr Pepper was a cool thing in the world of warm winter drinks (1960s)
Warm up like it’s the 1960s with hot Dr Pepper! This retro drink, served with a slice of lemon, is a unique and cozy twist on the classic soda.
The best classic rolled sugar cookie cutouts recipe
Try this tasty and easy recipe from the early 1960s for old-fashioned rolled sugar cookie cutouts, accompanied below by step-by-step photos!
Hot chocolate: 15 delicious vintage cocoa recipes
Raise your glass for some warm and wonderful classic hot chocolate recipes from across the years! Try cocoa mixtures with a variety of flavors and even some international flair.
Onion soup mix recipes: 15 easy ways to make mealtime magic
After an outdoorsy afternoon, bring the party inside. Settle down to something warming. Any of these delicious dishes will do fine. They’re super easy because you make them with onion soup mix.
Remember these? 60+ of your favorite vintage breakfast cereals from the 60s
In the ’60s, vintage breakfast cereals became really popular, gaining millions of fans – especially kids. What was your favorite? See all the best retro brands here (many of which are, sadly, long gone).
Try Cybill Shepherd’s famous hamburger recipe from the 1980s
After she wondered if humans have a primal craving for hamburgers – hot, juicy and so simple – here’s Cybill Shepherd’s favorite hamburger recipe.
Under-the-sea salad: A fun and funky layered 80s Jello recipe
It’s green. It’s molded. It’s studded with pears. It’s the ’80s version of the Jell-O classic – Under-the-sea salad!
Famous Hershey’s cocoa fudge recipe from the 70s & 80s
This is the Hershey’s cocoa fudge recipe your grandmother used to make! The recipe first appeared on the Hershey’s Cocoa can label in the 1960s.
How to make a Christmas cookie house step-by-step (it’s like a gingerbread house, but without the gingerbread)
People of all ages will love these cute vintage Christmas cookie houses, which can be made easily and inexpensively. See examples and get directions here!
The famous Bacardi rum cake recipe: Find out how to make the classic 1970s dessert, step-by-step with photos
This exceptional Bacardi rum cake is a pudding cake baked in a ring pan, and flavored with Bacardi dark dry rum. You may be surprised at how easy it is to get an elegant cake – perfect for the holidays!
Gingerbread man cookie recipes + how this tragic folklore hero became a happy Christmas tradition
How did a character whose brief life ended so tragically become a hero of the happiest holiday? We have some theories plus four different vintage gingerbread man cookie recipes!
Jell-O fruity cookie recipe, plus more retro 1970s ideas for using fruit gelatin powder
They have gelatin on the inside… and the outside. Try making this vintage 1970s Jell-O fruity cookie recipe, and see if you can capture a little bit of that retro vibe!
Get the delicious original Chex mix recipe from the 60s and 70s (plus 6 vintage variations)
Get seven sassy snack mix how-tos from yesteryear, including the granddaddy of them all: the original Chex mix recipe!
The ultimate guide for making perfect fudge like your grandma used to make PLUS 14 famous & delicious fudge recipes
You might remember some of these popular fudge recipes from your childhood. We encourage you to try at least one this year (or try them all)!
How to make homemade extracts & candy flavoring the old-fashioned way
If you’ve ever bought a pricey bottle of flavoring, you may have wondered: How can you make your own homemade extracts for less? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.
Libby’s pumpkin pie: This famous pumpkin pie recipe is the greatest of all time
More than good, Libby’s pumpkin pie is smooth, gently spicy, and perfect! Get the classic pie you love – the original vintage recipe is right here, with our very own step-by-step photos to guide you.
20 classic homemade cranberry sauce recipes
Cranberries have become traditional for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners — and these 20 homemade cranberry sauce recipes will help you deliciously add the ruby-red jewel to your feasts!
How to make a festive shrimp Christmas tree appetizer for your holiday party the retro way
A shrimp Christmas tree appetizer is a scene-stealer and a real buffet beauty, certain to cast a special charm over any holiday party – yet so easy to do! Here’s how.
Delicious fall recipe favorites: Pumpkin spice cookies & pumpkin nut bread (1982)
Looking for some deliciously sweet fall snacks? Try these two classic recipes: some amazing pumpkin spice cookies with lemon icing, and the traditional seasonal favorite, Libby’s pumpkin nut bread!
Carnation’s famous pumpkin pie: The traditional Thanksgiving dessert recipe, step-by-step with pictures
Though many have tried, no cook has ever been able to improve upon the taste of traditional pumpkin pie. Carnation’s famous pumpkin pie recipe is a Thanksgiving classic – and we have the ’50s recipe right here.
These 200+ cute old-fashioned Christmas cookie decorating ideas make a case for simplicity
These 44 kid-friendly Christmas cookie decorating ideas evoke the cozy charm of vintage traditions. Baking fun for the entire family!
2 fall recipe classics: Libby’s pumpkin cheesecake & Southern delight pumpkin cheesecake
These two Libby’s pumpkin cheesecakes are rich with cheese and pumpkin and brown sugar, flavored with maple, topped with sour cream and cinnamon – truly delicious desserts.
Craving cozy? This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole delivers every time (1985)
This easy retro recipe for a delicious creamy chicken and broccoli casserole gets a bonus crunch from a crispy onion topping.
Halloween cupcakes – a cool spider treat plus a monster, witch, pumpkin and more – will charm a crowd (1990s)
These festive Halloween cupcakes are decorated in a variety of fun and creative ways — including a pumpkin, a witch, a mummy, two spiders, a jack-o-lantern and a wolfman.
Use leftover Halloween candy like cool mid century housewives did with delish recipes made from Mars Almond Bars (1960s)
The late-1960s brings us a couple of tasty mid-century dessert recipes perfect for repurposing any leftover Halloween candy bars you might have laying around!
Caramel apples & caramel popcorn: Easy recipes for those decadent Halloween treats you remember
Two ever-popular treats come to mind on Halloween: caramel apples and caramel corn. Find out how to make these classic Halloween recipes!
Easy crunchy breaded chicken: Oven-baked chicken breaded with stuffing mix (1964)
A super simple must-try retro ’60s recipe: Crunchy breaded chicken! Soup ‘n stuffing make chicken a taste treat. See how easy it is to make it here!
Easy & elegant corn souffle, made with cream-style corn (1968)
By starting this old-fashioned corn souffle recipe with a can of cream-style corn, you can make this popular side dish in record time.
Easy pumpkin cheesecake bars: A comforting fall dessert recipe from the ’80s
Homemade with love! These deliciously luscious pumpkin cheesecake bars don’t take long to make when you start with this classic recipe from the ’80s!
12 classic old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipes
All of these sweet potato pie recipes come from the early part of the 20th century — from 1915 until 1922 — and should give you some ideas for ways to spice up a sweet potato pie of your own!
Baker’s easy one-bowl German chocolate brownies with coconut-nut topping: A classic recipe from 1997
These easy German chocolate brownies are deliciously indulgent, and have a coconut-nut topping! Get the ’90s retro recipe right here.
5 easy oven-fried chicken recipes from the 1930s
Get the crispiness of fried chicken without the hassle. These oven-fried chicken recipes are easy, delicious and sure to be a hit at your next dinner.
Check out these retro Cheez Whiz recipes from their creative Idea Book (1974)
Get some retro Cheez Whiz recipes for fondue, casserole and other cheezy dishes like ham & rice roll-ups, Mexican bean dip and more.
4 retro taco salad recipes that are perfect for summer (1987)
Consisting of lots of lettuce, browned hamburger, a variety of vegetables, sauces and dressings, a taco salad is a meal in itself.
The perks of vintage coffee: How a cup of joe became the most popular drink all across America, plus old-fashioned ways to make it (1950s)
Take a nostalgic look back at how Americans have loved coffee for generations – plus get some great old-fashioned ways to brew a delicious cup of vintage coffee.
The Impossible Pie recipe book: 12 easy dinner recipes & desserts from 1982
The Bisquick Impossible Pie recipe book is filled with ‘no time to cook’ pies: Bacon, quesadilla, cheeseburger, lasagne, taco, brownie, cheesecake & more!
Try this easy prize-winning savory crescent chicken squares recipe from 1974
This recipe for savory crescent chicken squares was a winner at the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest in the ’70s because it was tasty and so easy to make.
Triple lemon ripple cake with cream cheese recipe from 1982
One thing that makes this triple lemon ripple cake stand out is that it has a rich, lemony cream cheese filling in the middle of the Bundt cake!
This lattice-top chicken bake recipe is easy weeknight comfort food direct from 1984
Here’s a retro ’80s recipe for a lattice-top chicken bake — a cheesy chicken casserole with golden biscuits baked right on the top.
Flag cakes with strawberries & blueberries: The classic & fun no-bake recipe from the ’90s
Red, white and blue flag cakes are always fun to have for patriotic holidays, and this stars and stripes dessert – covered with bright berries – has one of the simplest recipes around!
Delicious & pretty patriotic desserts: All-American trifle + Red, white & blue loaf (1990s)
If you’re bringing dessert to this year’s 4th of July potluck, these easy patriotic desserts have an all-American appeal that everyone will love.
3 from-scratch traditional pound cake recipes (1920)
The traditional pound cake recipe got its name from the measurements of some ingredients used in the recipe — a pound of butter, a pound of sugar and a pound of flour. More than a century ago, the recipe changed to something a little lighter, but no less delicious!
Pudding in a cloud: A delicious retro dessert recipe from 1982
A heavenly idea! Pudding in a cloud. So lovely. So light. So luscious. You get two delicious tastes in every spoonful.
This hot dog crown casserole is one of the most retro-looking dinners ever
This hot dog crown casserole from 1965 uses hot dogs split lengthwise, and strategically placed in a circle around a creamy potato/green bean dish.
Old-fashioned peanut butter cookies: Check out these 20+ delicious retro recipes
Peanut butter cookies are an American treat that have been a favorite for generations. Check out our huge collection of this classic recipe and its variations!
This classic caramel popcorn recipe is a taste of tradition and nostalgia (1964)
Dig this crazy caramel popcorn – it’s positively wild, all candy-coated and crunchy with almonds, pecans or peanuts, made with corn syrup.
Toll House cake: The ultimate classic chocolate chip cake recipe (1986)
If you’re looking for an easy, scrumptious layered cake recipe, make this vintage Toll House cake from 1986!
This famous 1950s quick meatloaf recipe cooks up in just 15 minutes
Need a fast dinner? Besides being fast – just fifteen minutes cooking time – this famous quick meatloaf recipe is truly delicious with its savory tomato gravy!
Old-fashioned chocolate cottage pudding cake: The 1930s called, and they want you to try this recipe
Step back to 1939 with the Chocolate Cottage Pudding Cake, blending the comfort of traditional pudding and the decadence of chocolate.
Pecan Easter cake: An easy retro holiday dessert recipe (1988)
Planters Easter Egg Cake: This pecan Easter cake is a nostalgic, nutty delight with an optional twist for a festive shape.
Easy caramel-pecan cinnamon twists retro recipe from the 1950s
Here’s Mrs America’s 1950s way to be neighborly: Whip up these beautiful and delicious caramel pecan cinnamon twists for your next get-together!
Bacardi daiquiri pie: A green retro dessert made with lemon pudding & lime jello
Try a smooth green Bacardi daiquiri pie that brings a taste of the 1970s to your dessert table! Easy to make, this retro no-bake treat merges lemon pudding’s tang with the lively taste of lime jello.
This no-bake crazy berry blue pie recipe was a purple prizewinner
Enjoy a slice of the past with this vintage Crazy Berry Blue Pie recipe from 1969. Simple, no-fuss ingredients create a visually stunning and deliciously unique lavender blue no-bake pie.
Try this almond macaroon brownies recipe from the 80s
Picture this: a fusion of velvety cream cheese, the tropical essence of coconut, earthy almonds, and rich swaths of semi-sweet chocolate converging. This retro almond macaroon brownies recipe will help you make a sweet and nostalgic treat!
28 crazy vintage Christmas appetizers you don’t see much anymore
Having a retro party for the holidays? Here are lots of crazy kitschy vintage Christmas appetizers you may want to serve… at your own risk.
Classic 70s Christmas cookies: 20+ deliciously memorable recipes to try
Remember these classic 70s Christmas cookies? Here’s our collection of the best and most delicious old-fashioned treats of the decade!
Easy fondue recipe fun! Here’s how to party like it’s 1969
Although the popularity of the fondue recipe has waxed and waned over the years, it is still — and likely forever will be — enjoyed as a delicious communal meal that brings people together.
Classic peanut butter blossoms: Step-by-step cookie recipe, with photos
A plate of Christmas goodies just would not be complete without them: those delicious classic peanut butter blossoms cookies, featuring a big chocolate kiss right on top.
Cherry thumbprint Christmas cookies
These rich and tender cherry thumbprint Christmas cookies have bright and colorful button centers, made by placing pretty halved red or green candied cherries into the middle of each one.
30+ delicious old-fashioned stuffing recipes
Get ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the help of these old-fashioned stuffing recipe, made with simple ingredients and fresh foods.
Try old-fashioned cranberry souffle salad recipes from the 50s for a super retro-style Thanksgiving
If you want to serve something different this year for Thanksgiving or Christmas, a retro cranberry souffle salad may be just the thing! Bring back some of the flair of the fifties with these unusual little side dishes.
40+ vintage canned fruit cocktail recipes to bring back that 50s flavor
In the 1950s, canned fruit cocktail was added to everything from jello salads to slices of meat. Here, see 42 old-fashioned ways they used to eat the sweet and fruity mix!
Pumpkin pie with molasses: 5 old-fashioned & delicious recipes
Pumpkin pie doesn’t have to be light in color and light on flavor! Try these recipes for dark and delicious old-fashioned pumpkin pie with molasses & brown sugar – and see some other tasty variations, too!
No-bake cherry cheesecake recipe step-by-step: A pretty & easy homemade cream cheese pie from the 1970s
A no-bake cherry cheesecake is a dessert that knows how to steal the spotlight at any gathering! We’ve re-created this vintage recipe step-by-step, with photos!
These old Jell-O Crown Jewel Dessert recipes still make dazzling treats
Crown Jewel Dessert as a mold, a pie, and a spring-form pan dessert! Also known as Broken Glass Dessert, this easy treat fits busy schedules.
Striped Delight dessert recipe: An easy & delicious classic from 1985
This vintage Striped Delight dessert recipe features one dark layer of chocolate pudding between two white layers of a light and creamy cheesecake-like filling.
Make this pineapple upside-down cupcake recipe in 5 easy steps
This adorable pineapple upside-down cupcake recipe is a mini classic! They’re probably easier than you think to make, too.
