Retro Creamy Fruit Salad
June 22, 2006 by Andrea 
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Filed under Dessert, Retro Foods, Salads
This is another retro recipe that’s been passed down through the family. In fact every time my husband eats this, he proclaims, “This is soooo retro.”
While the name says it’s a salad, it’s probably closer to a dessert. Whatever the name, it’s light and cool and great for the warm summer months. The creamy base is made from sour cream and whipped topping and then flavored with gelatin. You can make a light version with low fat or fat free sour cream and whipped topping, and then lower the calories even more with sugar-free gelatin and no sugar added fruits. Make sure the canned fruits are well-drained so the salad isn’t runny. It will keep well for one day in the refrigerator, but after one day it will start to separate and get runny.
[Updated June 8, 2008] Read more
Mom’s Banana Pudding
May 22, 2006 by Andrea Print This Post
Filed under Dessert, Retro Foods
Banana Pudding is an old Southern treat. The basic recipe involves pudding, sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream stacked in layers. My mom’s version is a quick and easy recipe using instant pudding and whipped topping, although you can certainly use cooked pudding and make your own whipped cream. My mother often gets requests to bring this to dinner parties. It’s a light and fun treat that I really enjoy in the summertime.
Ingredients
12 ounces vanilla wafers
4-6 bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds Read more
Mom’s Retro Chocolate Sheet Cake (aka Texas Sheet Cake)
May 8, 2006 by Andrea Print This Post
Filed under Dessert, Retro Foods
It’s interesting how popular recipes travel across the country as they are shared among friends and family. This recipe comes from both sides of our family. It’s a delicious retro chocolate sheet cake, also known as Texas Sheet Cake, and it’s one of my favorites from childhood. I remember my mother making these for parties, and they were always devoured. You cook the frosting on the stove and pour it over the cake while both are still hot, then let the cake and frosting cool. The cake has a consistency much like a brownie. It’s absolutely decadent and very easy.
Equipment
small sauce pan
medium sauce pan Read more
Grandma’s Retro No-Bake Cheesecake
February 23, 2006 by Andrea Print This Post
Filed under Dessert, Retro Foods
I love this retro recipe from my grandmother. She started making this sometime in the 70s, and I was in heaven with this introduction to cheesecake. I’ve been a cheesecake junkie ever since. I prefer baked cheesecake, but I still whip this up when I need a quick fix (like today). I often add some mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling just for fun, and I like to serve it with sliced strawberries when they are in season.
Equipment
stand mixer with paddle attachment Read more
