Easy & fun paintbrush cookies deserve a comeback for your next holiday baking day (1956)
Paintbrush cookies from Betty Crocker’s 1956 promotional booklet let you paint edible designs before baking. A fun, colorful twist on traditional cut-outs.
Vintage recipes
This pecan pumpkin pie recipe from the 80s is possibly the best dessert mash-up for the holidays
Pecan pumpkin pie adds the rich flavor of pecans in a crunchy top layer. Corn syrup is combined with canned pumpkin and eggs for a fast, smooth custard filling.
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.
6 ways to make old-fashioned marshmallow sweet potatoes for a special Thanksgiving side dish
To many Americans living south of the Mason-Dixon line, sweet potatoes must be made with marshmallows! Here are 6 ways to make old-fashioned marshmallow sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving side dish!
Quick & easy green bean bake: The ’80s way to fix a holiday classic
This vintage green bean bake recipe from 1987 uses a microwave, golden mushroom soup and olives for a fast, flavorful twist on the classic.
The First Thanksgiving: Recipes for an amazing & tasty traditional Thanksgiving dinner (1975)
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner food served at the original First Thanksgiving feast in 1621 provides a tasty menu for holiday tables today. Get some great recipes here!
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.
Pumpkin Dream Pie: The 50s classic no-bake dessert recipe, plus a bonus gingersnap crust to try
Pumpkin dream pie is a 1950s no-bake dessert made with pudding, whipped topping, and pumpkin — simple, sweet, and ready in no time.
Pinecone cheese ball recipes: A festive 1970s twist on a classic holiday appetizer
These pinecone cheese ball recipes are the ultimate decorative old-school appetizer spread! Find out how to make them here.
Vintage holiday punch and cocktail recipes from the 50s & 60s
Try these holiday punch recipes from the 1950s and 1960s for your next party — simple, festive drinks that brought the cheer to vintage celebrations.
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.
Pumpkin cookie bars with a bright twist on classic cream cheese frosting (1987)
These delicious classic pumpkin cookie bars are sort of like a denser pumpkin bread, and pair perfectly with a tasty orange-y cream cheese frosting. Get the retro recipe from the 80s here!
Walnut pie throwback: A bold and easy recipe from 1991
This retro recipe for a classic walnut pie is a lot like America’s beloved pecan pie, but it gets its delicious crunch from walnuts instead. Try it!
How to make homemade pie crust in 4 easy steps
If you want to try something new that’s actually old for Thanksgiving, try making this homemade pie crust recipe from 1950!
Pumpkin pancakes with big fall flavor from this retro 1989 recipe
Make breakfast feel like fall with these vintage pumpkin pancakes from 1989, made with real pumpkin, warm spices and easy pantry staples.
Pumpkin roll perfection: A retro treat that still wows today (1970s)
What is a pumpkin roll? It’s a lightly-spiced pumpkin cake, jelly roll-style — filled with sweet, fluffy cream cheese. Try this retro version from the 70s!
Quick Halloween desserts: Make a ghoulish graveyard dessert & some creepy jigglers
Here are two quick and easy Halloween desserts made with jello – a ghoulish graveyard dessert, plus some cute and creepy jigglers.
Ghosts in the Graveyard easy Halloween dessert with pudding & cookies (1997)
Ghosts in the Graveyard is a Halloween dessert made with pudding, cookies and whipped topping — easy to make, fun to decorate and always a hit.
Late autumn fruits: 5 delicious apple dessert recipes (1960s)
These classic apple dessert recipes from the 1960s bring all the best fall flavors to the table — maple, spice, honey and more.
Old-fashioned popcorn balls: 16 delicious classic recipes, plus expert popping tips
Popcorn balls were a holiday and party favorite for decades. See how these sticky-sweet treats became a go-to homemade snack in vintage America.
Halloween Oreo pie is an easy & fun frozen holiday treat (1993)
This Halloween Oreo pie made the rounds in 1993, offering a cold and colorful twist on the classic cookie crust dessert. It’s a simple freezer pie made
Dream Whip: Look back to when this powdered whipped cream first came out in the 50s
Dream Whip topping debuted in the late 1950s, and told customers that it was low in cost and low in calories – plus that it came a box, stayed fresh on a shelf, and needed no refrigeration.
These easy Gold Rush brownies from 1951 are the chewy retro treat you didn’t know you loved
Gold Rush brownies are a chewy, egg-free dessert bar from 1951 made with chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs and sweetened condensed milk.
Grilled ham & cheese sandwiches just got way more fun thanks to this vintage idea from the 1960s
Grilled ham & cheese sandwiches get a retro spin in this 1960s foil-wrapped Hamcheezers recipe made for cookouts and easy weeknight meals.
Smothered chicken with a smart & easy retro twist you’ll want to try tonight (1962)
Smothered chicken gets the retro treatment with this clever 1962 recipe using dry soup mix and evaporated milk for a smooth, rich sauce.
12 easy Spam recipes & meal ideas your (great) grandparents swore by (and you might too)
What can you make with Spam? According to these retro Spam recipes – what *can’t* you make with it?! Check out these easy vintage how-tos here.
Ruby Slipper bundt cake recipe, plus how to make an easy orange jello pound cake (1978)
Ruby Slipper Jello bundt cake is a retro 1970s dessert with raspberry swirls baked in for flavor and fun, topped with a simple powdered sugar finish.
Sour cream pudding pound cake: Retro recipe from 1977
Turn a regular cake mix into a really rich and moist sour cream pudding pound cake with some Jell-o lemon instant pudding mix. Here’s the retro recipe!
This delicious Italian zucchini crescent pie won $40,000 in 1980 and totally earned it
This Italian zucchini crescent pie from 1980 won $40,000 at the Pillsbury Bake-Off and still holds up as a fast, hearty retro dinner favorite.
Delicious cherry angel food cake that’s soft, sweet & straight out of the ’50s
This fluffy cherry angel food cake benefits from having sweet chopped cherries mixed into the batter, giving this dessert a festive flair!
Fun summer party menu from 1970 with cheese food, pickles & a side of romance
This summer party menu from 1970 features vintage recipes, themed dishes and party planning tips that turned teen cookouts into charming events.
Spaghetti Romano with meatballs: One pan, big flavor, no fuss (1989)
Homemade meatballs, spaghetti and a rich red sauce make this delicious pasta dinner: Vera’s favorite Spaghetti Romano recipe from the ’80s.
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!
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.
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!
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 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!
