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!
Vintage food & drink
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.
How to make natural Easter egg dyes the old-fashioned way
Want to make natural Easter egg dyes the old-fashioned way? Find out how to use roots, berries, herbs and vegetables to color eggs for a vintage-style celebration.
KFC history: Colonel Sanders & the unique story of how he started Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1950s
What’s amazing about KFC history? There really was a Colonel Sanders, he truly had a secret recipe, and he actually started Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.
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.
Old potato chip brands: 50+ long-lost and popular chip & potato snack brands you may remember
Have a look back at 50 years of America’s favorite party snack – and see if we found any of your favorite old potato chip brands!
Cup-a-Soup & Souptime instant soup mixes were hot lunch options in the 70s & 80s
Starting in the ’70s, making soup was easier than ever – you just emptied an envelope of Cup-a-Soup or Souptime into a cup, added boiling water, stirred, and you had a serving of hot soup. Here’s a look back!
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.
The history of root beer & popular 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!
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.
These popular vintage & discontinued yogurt brands started as a fad, but became an American staple
Learn how yogurt transitioned from an exotic treat to a staple in American households. And take a look back at discontinued yogurt brands and why they faded away.
Figurines: Those crunchy 1970s & 1980s diet bars we loved
Indulge in a nostalgic journey with Figurines diet bars, the crispy, low-calorie delight from the 70s and 80s that were discontinued in the 90s, leaving dieters frustrated forevermore.
80s candy: See 35 most excellent retro favorites, including chocolate & fruity sweets
A lot of 80s candy endures to the present, but you’re still going to love these retro ads & packages from back in the day! Which were your favorites?
Do the most popular 80s restaurants still exist today? Find out – and see how they used to look!
Let’s explore the fates of some of the most iconic 80s restaurants, charting their journey from their heyday to the present. Which ones have survived?
80s grocery stores: See vintage supermarkets, plus find out how retro tech paved the way for modern retail
Step back in time to 1980s grocery stores! From barcode scanners to in-house brands, they paved the way for major retail transformation. See inside these 80s supermarkets and what foods they might be selling.
Delicious Dairy Queen history: Soft serve ice cream, Dilly Bars, Blizzards, burgers & more
Dairy Queen history involves decades of transformation, innovations, and, of course, a few yummy vintage menu items that make folks nostalgic.
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.
Yellow or white margarine? The tedious legal battle over butter-colored margarine, and how people had to dye it themselves
In the early 1900s, there was a war fought with food coloring & butter knives. Learn about the great battle of colored margarine: yellow vs white.
Old Wendy’s restaurants: What was on the menu, what they looked like & how they got the name
Wendy’s has been a top player on the American fast food scene since not long after their first restaurant opened back in 1969. Established in Columbus, Ohio,
Sambo’s Restaurants: The diner chain’s story – and how it got that controversial name
Sambo’s Restaurants were popular in the ’60s and ’70s. But as much as people loved the diners, the company name was always a problem. Here’s why.
Antique Toby jugs: See dozens of collectible drinking mugs that were also vessels for cultural history
Toby Jugs came to America in the 1700s and quickly became a favorite collectible. Check out these examples of the art form!
Cracker Jack: The sweet history behind Cracker Jack prizes & the popular old popcorn treat
For decades, Cracker Jack has been more than a just a popcorn and peanut snack. Thanks to the famed Cracker Jack prizes, it’s also a treasure hunt in a box! Find out more about this peak Americana treat.
40 discontinued cake mixes in flavors you can’t get anymore
With their fun retro flavors – like pink lemonade and orange, toffee and macaroon, peanut butter and black walnut – check out these discontinued cake mixes that you just don’t see in stores anymore!
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.
How to make a homemade graham cracker pie crust & other delicious crumb crusts like they did in the 50s, 60s & 70s
We found some great vintage graham cracker pie crust recipes, and ways to make other delicious crumb crusts. Get the basic how-to, and try some of these creative and classic combinations!
How the old Bob’s Big Boy burger restaurants became the stuff of legend
It’s been a remarkable journey from that first Bob’s Big Boy hamburger stand to the national restaurant franchise it still is today. Here’s a look at the restaurant chain over the years!
Here’s how to have a festive 4th of July with a vintage vibe!
Here are some fun ideas and recipes to give your July 4th holiday a truly retro vibe, plus a look back at the history of Independence Day!
