Sea Breeze Salad – A Mid-Century Gelatin Test

by RetroRuth | Aug 14, 2013 | Best & Worst, Hello Jell-O, The BEST

This week we have a gelatin that is decidedly NOT gross. Sea Breeze Salad! This thing is basically jelled lemon pie filling with pineapple in it. Nothing bad here. Surprising, isn’t it?  Well, we were invited to a picnic earlier last month where I knew there would be...

Candied Crackers – A Mid-Century Recipe Test

by RetroRuth | Jul 15, 2013 | Best & Worst, Cookies & Bars, Desserts, The BEST

When I first saw this recipe in a newspaper clipping from the 1950’s, I was terrified it was going to use some sort of savory cracker. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that graham crackers made up the “cracker” part in the recipe.  I was also intrigued and wanted...

A Patriotic Gelatin Mold For Fourth Of July – A Vintage Gelatin Test

by RetroRuth | Jul 3, 2013 | Best & Worst, Fourth of July, Hello Jell-O, Holiday, The BEST

   I have been keeping a secret from you guys, and it is pretty major. Are you ready? Here we go: I may have scored the greatest gelatin mold of all time. I’m serious. I got my grubby little mitts on this thing probably 10 or so months ago, and I have been...

Brownie S’mores With Easy Red, White and Blue Marshmallows – A Fourth of July Vintage Recipe Re-Run

by RetroRuth | Jul 1, 2013 | Best & Worst, Cookies & Bars, Desserts, Fourth of July, Holiday, The BEST

If you love S’mores, you are going to love this fun version made with brownies! We are trying to get in the patriotic spirit here on Mid-Century Menu, so I thought I would bust out this easy recipe from last July and share it again. It even has colored marshmallows!...

Barbara or Russian Bear – Thank Goodness It’s Vintage Cocktail Friday

by RetroRuth | Jun 28, 2013 | Beverages, Cocktails, The BEST

So, because Tom eats so many horrible, horrible things for this blog, I decided that it was time for the blog to give something back to Tom. I introduce to you: Vintage Cocktail Fridays! Sounds fun, huh? I am sure by now you see the catch. Vintage cocktails. Some...

Layered Meatloaf – aka Tom’s Mom’s Meatloaf

by RetroRuth | Jun 26, 2013 | Beef, Best & Worst, Main Dishes, The BEST

The first time I made meatloaf for Tom, it was a great meal. Perfectly browned meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and chocolate cake for dessert. As we sat down and I started plating food, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. Pretty proud of myself until I placed a...