12 retro foods to make you feel nostalgic
Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of conversation about food in the TASTE office. During a meeting when deciding a food fight theme, the conversation pivoted to retro foods. We chatted about their strange names (who remembers “devils on horseback”?) and when we last ate them. It got us feeling nostalgic. So we’ve decided to share this nostalgia with you by rounding up 12 of our favourite retro foods. Did yours make the list?
1. Devilled eggs
Was it even a party if devilled eggs didn't make an appearance? These, along with small bites served on toothpicks, were a must at any soiree. This was especially true in the 60s, but they were still popular in the late 80s and early 90s in SA. We can't help but think of those family gatherings and pot-luck dinners where devilled eggs would be in a prominent position on the appetiser table.
Soya-cured devilled eggs recipe
2. Black Forest cake
When was the last time you saw Black Forest cake in stores? Before red velvet and naked birthday cakes dominated the birthday scene, Black Forest was THE cake of choice. If Black Forest was on the table, you knew there was a celebration happening. The chocolate, cherry and cream combo is a classic and will never go out of style in our opinion.
Reduced sugar chocolate-cherry sour cream cake recipe
3. Coronation chicken
This one is for all the royal family fans! Coronation chicken was created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation (hence the name) in 1953. It was the first coronation to be televised, and would become the catalyst for many people gathering around the TV to watch big royal events even years later. Having coronation chicken while watching the royals on TV seems fitting. There may have been 70 years between Queen Elizabeth II's and King Charles's coronations, but there have been plenty of royal weddings to enjoy in between!
Coronation chicken-and-corn toasties recipe
ALSO READ: 5 of the most beautiful salads
4. Prawn cocktail
If you were hosting and wanted to be fancy, a prawn cocktail was THE appetiser on the menu. It gave a sophisticated, restaurant vibe and made the evening feel elegant with little effort. We're sure this was served on many a romantic dinner, be it a Valentine's meal at home or an anniversary dinner.
5. Fondue
We're willing to bet that there's a fondue set buried deep in your cupboards! In the 70s and 80s, interactive dining was the rage, and it didn't get more interactive than a fondue! This conjures up memories of lively conversation and laughter as someone at the table dropped their piece of bread into the pot... again!
6. Meatloaf
The curiosity 90s kids had about meatloaf is something that should be studied. This came about because of its constant presence on American TV shows – it was either a comforting home-made meal or dreaded cafeteria food. It created a kind of folklore around meatloaf that reached our kitchens. It was also something you loved instantly, or were a little disappointed by (especially if it was dry). But whether you loved it or hated it, there's no doubt that it conjures up a lot of memories.
ALSO READ: 7 easy chocolate desserts for spring entertaining
7. Crêpes Suzette
From TV comfort food to classic French fanciness, crêpes Suzette was considered a sophisticated dessert in the 70s. Perhaps it was the theatre of flambéing the pancakes. Or maybe it was the prestige of French cuisine as a whole. One thing is for sure: if you were going to risk starting a fire in your kitchen by making crêpes Suzette, you were definitely trying to impress!
8. Jaffles
Just looking at a jaffle iron evokes memories of camping trips, cooking over a fire and bonding outdoors. This classic South African favourite was comfort food that felt like a treat. It may be more difficult to get jaffles these days, but here at TASTE we've never let them go. We have this classic version by Vusi Ndlovu, but we also have three versions made with biltong, plant-based versions and extra-special hot cross bun jaffles made by chef Jason Lilley.
9. Fruit cocktail
Was fruit cocktail always present at your Christmas parties or family celebrations? It was for many of us here at TASTE. Whether it was served with ice cream, Ideal milk or as is, we fondly remember fishing for our favourite fruit in the bowl and fighting over the cherries!
ALSO READ: 7 ideas for non-boring eggs
10. Beef Wellington
We know that Gordon Ramsay has made beef Wellington cool again, but there were a few years when it seemed like a lost art. Back in the day, it was the pinnacle of a showstopping main at celebrations. From the effort it takes to make each part of the Wellington to the nerves of cutting the first piece to see if the beef fillet is perfectly cooked, the journey of this masterpiece is thrilling before you even taste it. And, boy, the taste is worth all the work!
11. Baked Alaska
Speaking of showstoppers, the wonders of a baked Alaska are timeless. First of all, the idea of ice cream that doesn't melt when heat is applied is so cool (pun intended). Then, you also get to have cake and meringue at the same time as the ice cream. It's a treat all round.
Chuckles ice cream baked Alaska recipe
12. Finger sandwiches
If there's one thing we've learnt from this list it's that retro food that stirs up our nostalgia is centred around celebrations and family gatherings. The food we eat as we make memories with our loved ones holds a lot of magic. Sure, sandwiches seem simple. But as soon as you cut off the crusts and fill them with cream cheese and cucumber, egg salad or smoked salmon, you're transported to a tea party from your youth.
Comments