Cracker Jack: The sweet history behind Cracker Jack prizes & the popular old popcorn treat
Cracker Jack became a pop culture icon with its caramel popcorn, peanuts and surprise prizes. See how this vintage snack won America’s heart.
Vintage food & drink
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.
Instant Quaker oatmeal: How this warm & easy breakfast became a family favorite (1965)
In 1965, Instant Quaker Oatmeal hit grocery store shelves, and so was born a popular hot breakfast cereal that has lasted more than 50 years.
Retro paper plates are the fun party staple that never went out of style (1960s and beyond)
Retro paper plates took off in the 60s and haven’t disappeared since. See how these colorful classics shaped party tables then and now.
Delmonico’s restaurant was a Gilded Age legend: How it fed the rich & made food history (1800s & 1900s)
Delmonico’s during the Gilded Age helped turn fine dining into a spectacle Starting in the 1820s as a modest downtown confectionery, New York City’s legendary Delmonico’s grew
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.
Vintage Breakfast Squares made mornings easier in the 70s (and were basically dessert)
General Mills’ vintage Breakfast Squares from the 70s promised a complete meal in two frosted bars — though sugar and shortening topped the ingredient list.
Vintage McDonald’s: See 5 decades of the worlds’ most famous fast food chain
Step back in time with vintage McDonald’s photos, menus and ads from the 1950s through the 1990s, capturing decades of classic fast food history.
Easy meals from 1917 that turned 4 foods into 12 classic dinners & kept mealtime interesting
See how home cooks 100 years ago made easy meals from just 4 foods, creating 12 different dinner menus with classic recipes and smart planning.
Dr Pepper history: How the famous soft drink made a big name for itself starting in 1885
Explore Dr Pepper history from its quirky origin story to its fizzy rise as America’s oldest major soft drink.
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.
Incredible Edibles maker: The wild toy that let kids cook bugs and eat them (1960s)
Incredible Edibles, the candy-making Thingmaker counterpart, said that their Sooper Gooper would mold sugarless liquid Gobble Degoop into chewy gumdrop-like morsels in 4 flavors. Here’s how it worked.
Vintage Burger King through the decades: A unique concept & engaging ads (1950s-90s)
Burger King — the nation’s fastest-growing chain of self-service restaurants — is so delightfully different, no wonder it has caught America’s fancy!
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.
Vintage pasta crafts: Cute & creative decorations made with dried noodles, based on ideas from the ’60s
Here are some easy, clever & cute vintage pasta crafts that you can make, including a pineapple that would make a great centerpiece, and some pretty dried noodle trees.
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.
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.
Plan a perfect Memorial Day celebration & summer cookout
A traditional Memorial Day celebration is a mix of somber remembrance, family togetherness & fun. We’ve gathered some ideas to help you plan a perfect holiday
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.
Vintage Hostess snacks: A delicious look back at America’s favorites including Fruit Pies, Wonder Bread, Twinkies & more (1920s-80s)
Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Whitman’s Chocolates were a big deal for Mother’s Day back in the 1940s
In the early 1940s, Whitman’s Chocolates heavily promoted their product as the ideal Mother’s Day gift — and they laid the guilt on thick. “There is no hurt like forgetting.”
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!
Epic vintage Star Wars cake pans & candles from the 80s that kids went wild for
In the early 1980s, Wilton rolled out a batch of Star Wars cake pans that turned ordinary birthday cakes into mini blockbusters. Inspired by The Empire Strikes
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.
General Foods International Coffee turned a spoonful of instant coffee into a whole delicious mood (1970s & 80s)
General Foods International Coffee ads from the ’70s and ’80s had cozy vibes, sweet flavors and a jingle you still can’t get out of your head.
Tastee-Freez memories: How this roadside stop became a summer staple in the 1950s
Tastee-Freez was the go-to spot in the 1950s for fast food and frozen treats. See what made this ice cream chain a summertime favorite.
How much did you love this Brach’s Easter candy from the 60s? Bunnies, chicks, chocolate eggs & more
Brach’s Easter candy from the ’60s included chocolate malt & chocolate creme eggs, marshmallow-filled chicks and rabbits, and tiny jelly bird eggs.
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?
Retro Easter candy from the 70s, 80s & 90s remains some of the greatest candy of all time
Believe it or not, retro Easter candy like chocolate Easter bunnies, creme eggs, jelly beans and Peeps candy didn’t exist at all prior to the 20th century. Here’s a look back at what the bunny has been bringing.
These 40 vintage TV dinners look even better than we remember
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
Decorating Easter eggs through the decades: Fun ideas from the 50s to the 90s
As you prepare for your Easter celebration, check out these vintage Easter egg decorating ideas! There are probably a few you remember… and maybe one or two you haven’t seen!
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.
Metal ice cube trays: The cold, hard truth about old-school ice-making (1950s)
Before plastic trays, metal ice cube trays were a daily struggle — until a clever lever changed everything. Here’s how they shaped vintage kitchen life.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes: The story of how a simple shake became a holiday tradition (1970s & 80s)
McDonald’s shamrock shakes have been a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for decades. Here’s the surprising history behind this minty green fast-food classic.
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.
These vintage pots and pans from the 70s may seem kitschy now, but they were bold decor statements back then
In the 70s, stainless steel or copper cookware wasn’t enough – people wanted retro pots and pans for their kitchen in all of the latest colors and patterns. Take a peek inside those old kitchen cabinets!
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.
Where did those sweet candy heart sayings come from? (1920s to present)
Everyone knows the pastel little Valentine’s Day sweets that say Hug Me, Cutie and more. Where did those candy heart sayings come from? Look back here!
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!
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.
100 snapshots of 1970s supermarkets: Vintage vibes & prices we can only dream of today
What were vintage 1970s supermarkets like – and how do they compare to today’s grocery store options? Take a look back several decades to see!
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!
Semi-homemade cookies: Sweet shortcuts that made baking easy in the 1950s and beyond
Because not everything was baked from scratch, see some Vintage slice ‘n’ bake cookies, frozen cookie dough, mixes and other semi-homemade cookies from long ago!
Remember Chi-Chi’s restaurant, back in the 70s & 80s when Mexican food seemed new and exciting?
Chi-Chi’s may have closed its US restaurants, but it’s far from forgotten. Reminisce with these old menus and get you some of that yummy Chi Chi’s salsa – it’s still on the market!
70 popular vintage 1970s cereals we loved & we miss
Take a look back at some of the most popular vintage 1970s cereals that we loved – including many discontinued products we still miss. (And don’t forget about the free toys that were inside kids’ cereal boxes!)
Festive Christmas table settings: Ideas for holiday tables with retro style (1900s-1990s)
With a little thought and care – plus the inspiration of these lush holiday table settings of yore – you can create unforgettably nostalgic Christmas table settings that will be remembered for years to come.
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!
Remember Hickory Farms? That’s how we fed our charcuterie obsession back in the day (1970s-90s)
Long before we became obsessed with charcuterie boards, we had Hickory Farms Food Gift Paks. Remember those? Here, we have a round up of vintage Hickory Farms ads for your reminiscing pleasure!
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!
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!
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.
The best Thanksgiving traditions through the years: Decade-by-decade turkey dinners & sweet family celebrations
Take a look back at the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions — and holiday meals — from the 1940s through the 1990s, plus see how the best parts of the past have influenced our modern-day celebrations!
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!
Vintage Chef Boy-Ar-Dee: America’s convenient spin on Italian food (1928 to present)
Vintage Chef Boy-Ar-Dee said that their canned food was all you needed to make an Italian-like meal – including spaghetti, meatballs, ravioli, and tomato sauce. Look at some of these retro dinners here!
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.
Taco Bell: How a tiny taco stand became a popular fast food giant in the 1960s, 70s & 80s
See the quirky history of vintage Taco Bell — from a tiny taco stand to a fast-food empire — and see vintage photos, ads and articles from the past!
8 vintage homemade candy bar recipes for an indulgent Halloween
It’s the sweetest season, and we’ve collected a mix of vintage homemade candy bar ideas for Halloween — going back as far as 1956!
Vintage Pizza Hut: What made these dining spots so unforgettable in the 1970s & 80s?
Take a look back at vintage Pizza Hut restaurants, and some of the popular foods they served over the years – plus find out the history of the chain!
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!
Dozens of cute & kitschy 70s kitchen accessories your mom or grandma probably used to have
Millions of cute ’70s kitchen accessories like these appeared in homes from all across America back in the day.
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.
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.
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.
24 old-school ways to keep your kitchen cool when it’s hot outside
Right from the ’50s, here are some classic tips to keep your kitchen cool when it’s hot outside, plus some easy recipes to help you beat the heat.
Old-fashioned Hi-C drink flavors: These delicious canned drinks shook up snack time from the 1950s-1990s
Remember these vintage fruit-flavored drinks in flavors like pineapple-grapefruit, apple, and Florida punch? Reminisce about Hi-C Drink flavors here.
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!
Vintage Pyrex: Discover the 1950s kitchen essential that’s still cool today
Explore the charm of 1950s vintage Pyrex — discover the colors, patterns and history behind these treasured kitchen classics.
Pepperidge Farm remembers: See 50 of their classic cakes, cookies, breads, turnovers & other treats from years ago
Pepperidge Farm remembers… but do you recall all of these classic cakes, cookies, breads, turnovers & other treats they made years ago? (And did you know they once made canned soup?)
Rationing during WW2: See war ration books, ration stamps, gas stamps, sugar coupons & more from the 1940s
During WWII, countless products were limited in order to help meet the demands both of the military and the citizens back home. Here’s a look at what those war ration books and rationing stamps looked like.
Red Lobster restaurant history: Look back at the dining experience in the 70s, 80s & 90s
Was Red Lobster restaurant where you got your first taste of seafood? The first Red Lobster restaurant was in Lakeland, Florida, and opened its doors to seafood
Invented in the 1960s, Kellogg’s Pop Tarts toaster pastries are more popular than ever
Kellogg’s wasn’t the first to invent fruit-filled toaster pastries, but Pop Tarts have dominated the market for 60 years and are more popular than ever.
DDT: The dangerous old insecticide that used to be everywhere – even embedded in wallpaper (1940s)
The insecticide DDT was introduced in the 1940s, and originally thought to be safe for people and pets. It was marketed with happy cartoon characters and family-friendly products, but, as we eventually discovered, the poison was bad for people and animals, too.
Old-fashioned candy: See dozens of irresistible sweets from the 1940s & earlier
Old-fashioned candy in the US traces its roots from luxury 1800s treats to timeless favorites. See how these sweets have captured the affection of generations.
Vintage Tab cola: Remember this popular sugar-free diet soda?
Vintage Tab Diet Cola was one of the biggest names in the low- and no-calorie soda market back in the 60s and 70s… and even beyond!
18 vintage discontinued foods & flavors we used to love
Remember these discontinued foods that you used to see on grocery store shelves? The mere mention of these oldies but goodies can conjure up the taste, the smell, the texture, all the flavors of yesteryear. Which ones do you miss the most?
McDonald’s introduced the Big Mac in the 1960s, then created a catchy jingle for it that we couldn’t forget
McDonald’s Big Mac has a big, delicious combination of twoallbeefpattiesspecialsaucelettuce cheesepicklesonionsonosesameseedbun — enough to handle the biggest appetite.
The best vintage cracker brands & flavors that ruled the snack world in the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s
Step back in time with a fun look at vintage cracker brands, from cheesy Cheez-Its to buttery Ritz, and relive the tasty, crispy and crunchy nostalgia through old-school ads and photos!
Amazing airline food from the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s: In-flight meals you won’t see nowadays
Take a look back at the delicious history of airline food, from the humble beginnings of in-flight meals, to the gourmet dinners that graced the skies in vintage advertisements.
Remember 1970s Libbey glasses, with groovy retro patterns & styles?
See more than 40 vintage Libbey glasses from the ’70s that you might remember, including colorful tumblers, shaped patterns, stemware & more.
