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Tag: 1950s food


Mar
2017

Dig That Dish-The Coolest Vintage Recipe Book Around

categories: vintage cooking

I wanted to share with you my latest vintage find, which just happens to be perfect for anyone hosting a 1950’s, 1960’s and even a 1970’s party…..

Dig That Dish-Teen-Age Party Menus & Recipes For All Occasions by Ruth Chier Rosen

Dig that dish Vintage Cookbook 1960's
Dig that dish Vintage Cookbook 1960's

BTW..I have my own ‘Mini Guide To Holding The Ultimate 1950’s Themed Party‘ that will point you in the right direction for the best 1950s themed party around!

ABOUT:

‘Dig that Dish’ by Ruth Chier Rosen is a book on ‘Teen-Age Party Menus & Recipes For All Occasions‘ (See perfect for your next themed party!). The version I have is copyrighted 1960 but it was gifted to a Mrs Sapoco at Christmas time in 1978 (was Mrs Sapoco a Teenage bride?).

1960s Vintage Cookbook: Dig that dish Vintage Cookbook 1960's

While doing research on this book I found out that Ruth is a very popular cookbook writer and has written around 40 books over her career (Her first book was published in 1950 and the last in 1971).  She even has a website called ‘Food of the Fifites‘ where you can learn about all that she has done, read about her life on her blog and even purchase many of her books.

1960s Vintage Cookbook: Dig that dish Vintage Cookbook 1960's Ruth Chier Rosen

Speaking of cookbooks, here are some of her cleverly named ones.

“Have Cookbook Will Marry”: 104 confidence-building recipes for the budding home chef, both brides and grooms – Published 1956.

Vintage Cookbook: "Have cookbook will marry" by Ruth Chier Rosen published in 1956.
Source: Food of the Fifties.

“From Nets to You”: A Log of Fish Recipes – Published 1953.

1950s Vintage Cookbook: "From Nets To You" a collection of fish recipes by Ruth Cheir Rosen. Published in 1953
Source: Food of the Fifties

“Freeze ‘N Easy” A chest of treasured recipes and ideas for the freezer -Published 1960.

1960s vintage cookbook: "Freeze 'N Easy" A chest of treasured recipes and ideas for the freezer -Published 1960 by Ruth Cheir Rosen
Source: Food of the Fifties

“Cyrano de Casserole”: A Nosegay of Casserole Recipes – Published 1955.

1950s vintage cookbook: "Cyrano de Casserole": A Nosegay of Casserole Recipes - Published 1955 by Ruth Cheir Rosen
Source: Food of the Fifties

“A Tomato Well Dressed”: 110 inventive salad and dressing recipes to tickle your palette and cinch your waistline – Published 1953.

1950s Vintage Cookbook: "A Tomato Well Dressed": 110 inventive salad and dressing recipes to tickle your palette and cinch your waistline - Published 1953.
Source: Food of the Fifties

“Masquerade the left over cook book”: 132 re-purposing recipes that help you create new meals from yesterday’s left-overs – Published 1962.

1960s Vintage Cookbook: "Masquerade the left over cook book": 132 re-purposing recipes that help you create new meals from yesterday's left-overs - Published 1962 by Ruth Cheir Rosen.
Source: Food of the Fifties

And my personal favorite…

“Pop“, Monsieur”: Cooking with Champagne – Published 1956 (I really need to find this one for my collection).

1950s Vintage Cookbook: "Pop", Monsieur": Cooking with Champagne - Published 1956 by Ruth Cheir Rosen.
Source: Food of the Fifties

Now lets head back to my book…..

A successful party takes ideas, organization, and your shoulder to the wheel.


When it is successful there is nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you put it across. The easiest way to do it is to set a theme, decide on the kind of food your crowd likes and provide enough space and opportunity for activity to keep the party moving.


The following party ideas can be used in combination with your own ideas and we hope they will spark some new ideas of your own. The food is all easy to prepare and you can do it yourself as part of the fun of having a party.

Here is a sampling of what you will find inside…..

The Vintage Party Themes:

1960s Vintage Cookbook / Vintage Recipes: Dig that Dish Vintage Cookbook -Teenage party menus and recipes for all occasions.

SPRING:

  • Graduation Buffet
  • Pre-Prom Dinner
  • April Fool’s Gathering
  • A Progressive Party

SUMMER:

  • Hobo Hay Ride
  • Summer Theatre Party
  • Splash Party
  • 4th of July Barbecue

FALL:

  • Record Party
  • Halloween Square Dance
  • Post Football Game Supper
  • Sweet 16 Party

WINTER:

  • Ice Skating Party
  • New Years Eve Party
  • Christmas Party
  • Valentine Party

Each theme is broken down with party ideas, overview of recipes and then detailed instructions on how to make each of them. Here are a couple of examples.

April Fool Party Ideas:

Vintage Themed Party Idea: April Fools Party from "Dig that Dish" a Vintage Cookbook from the 1960's. Party info includes Invites ideas, decorations, music and activities.

April Fool Evening Party for 20 Menu:

Vintage Themed Party Food Ideas for an April Fools Party from "Dig that Dish" a Vintage Cookbook from the 1960's.

Record Party Ideas:

Vintage Themed Party Idea: Record Party from "Dig that Dish" a Vintage Cookbook from the 1960's. Party info includes Invites ideas, decorations, music and activities.

Here is the menu for a Record Party for 10. Sounds pretty good!

Vintage Themed Party Food ideas for Record Party from "Dig that Dish" a Vintage Cookbook from the 1960's.

Easiest recipe in the whole book….Punch for 20.

Vintage Themed Party Punch idea for a Record Party from "Dig that Dish" a Vintage Cookbook from the 1960's.

Pretty cool right?!

Before I end there was one other goodie in the box. A letter written in July 19th, 1977 from ‘Mommie’ to ‘Lenny (?) & Precy’ from Brilon in Germany. It seems that the mother is traveling visiting friends (I think) and is gone long enough that someone is sending her money and she is buying gifts to send home.

I love when I find items like this in my vintage finds, it just brings another time to life.

vintage handwritten letter

Question Time: Have you heard of Ruth or her cookbooks? Maybe you own one or a few. If so please share with everyone what you have in your collection.

FURTHER READING:

Liz


Oct
2016

Party Foods of the 1950’s

categories: 1950's, 1950s Party

Remember the days when a party wasn’t complete without coconut-covered pineapple and cream cheese stuffed celery? From the 1950s to the 1960s, party food was a reflection of the times – flashy, audacious, and above all, delicious!

In this article, we will dive into the classic recipes of the era, exploring the nostalgia of 1950s party food and exploring ways to recreate these treats today. From classic appetizers to crowd-pleasing desserts, you’ll be sure to find ideas to make your next shindig a hit.

So, get ready to get your party planning started with some iconic 1950s food — we guarantee your guests will come back for seconds.

Retro Jello Mold a perfect party food for a 1950s or 1960s party. Learn more at the Vintage Inn Blog.

Updated Feb 2024

Note: This post is an extension of “The Mini Guide to Hosting the Ultimate 1950’s Themed Party“. Inside this post, I talked about invites,decor, music, clothing and food, the essentials for a successful party. This article jumps into deeper into the food side.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy daily!

Party Foods of the 1950’s

Retro Food Vintage 50s Meals Products Cooking Pantry Groceries | Mid Century Modern
Source: Etsy

Let’s break out the Cheez Wiz and start the 1950’s food party, shall we?

1950s Cheez Whiz Ad for 1950s Party Food

Source: Flickr

From my original post:

For the most authentic experience for your party, you need to serve 1950’s food. If you want recipes or ideas see if you can find some old 1950’s cookbooks online (like Etsy) or in used book stores, they will really help plan your menu.

Vintage Cookbooks – Fantastic Party Food Ideas (Hare are some examples)!

NOTE: If the product is not available when you click thru, just do a search for other options. Etsy is always filled with “new” vintage items.

I have also created a collection of vintage cookbooks avail for purchase, I update monthly on Etsy that you can find HERE.

If you need a little more help then my resources of materials for how to host that 1950s party (see end of post), then you should pickup a book like the one pictured below. A 1957 printing of “Good Housekeeping Party Menus and Recipes“. Based on the original titled “Good Housekeeping Party Book”, this paperback book has 200 different menus and 1000 recipes and party ideas.

A 1957 printing of "Good Housekeeping Party Menus and Recipes". Based on the original titled "Good Housekeeping Party Book", this paperback book has 200 different menus and 1000 recipes and party ideas

The contents of the book. WOW so many helpful topics and recipes!

A 1957 printing of "Good Housekeeping Party Menus and Recipes". Based on the original titled "Good Housekeeping Party Book", this paperback book has 200 different menus and 1000 recipes and party ideas

Source: Etsy

There is also this gem of a cookbook (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE) – 1950s Betty Crocker’s Bisquick Party Book. “97 gay new ideas and recipes…for coffee time through late T.V….from appetizers to desserts!”

Vintage Betty Crocker Bisquick Party Book - Baking with Bisquick - Vintage 1950's Cookbook

The vintage recipes include things like, Party Tuna Bake, Hamburger Onion Pie, Shrimp Salad Short Pie, Hamburger Turnovers and more!

I love a good tuna bake and make it all the time (my recipe is different from the one below though).

1950s Party Food as seen in a 1950s Betty Crocker Bisquick Cookbook. The vintage recipes include things like, Party Tuna Bake, Hamburger Onion Pie, Shrimp Salad Short Pie, Hamburger Turnovers and more!

Source: Etsy-familyhistoryfood

Check out this super cool vintage ‘Molly Magic Party Book’ . Compliments of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk – 1950’s era. AMAZING dessert recipes for any 1950s party you are hosting!

Fabulous vintage 'Molly Magic Party Book' . Compliments of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk - 1950's era.
1950s Party Recipes-Desserts for your next 1950s party
1950s Party Recipes-Desserts for your next 1950s party. Brownies & cookies

Source: Etsy

“Entertaining with Stork“, was produced to promote the sale and use of Stork Margarine and has lots of recipes in it’s pages. Loads of fun ideas for your 1950s Themed Party (including how to feed your teenagers)!

1950s Themed Party food ideas from a 1950s vintage recipe cook book. Teenage party food ideas
1950s Themed Party food ideas from a 1950s vintage recipe cook book. Teenage party food ideas

Source: Etsy

The Good Housekeeping Appetizer Book. Loads of fun ideas!

Good Housekeeping Appetizer Book Cookbook vintage party foods-1950s
Good Housekeeping Appetizer Book Cookbook vintage party foods

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1950s Cream Cheese Cookbook – “Philly Dip Party Handbook” – Dips, Sauces, Party Food.

Vintage 1950s Cream Cheese Cookbook - ""Philly" Dip Party Handbook" - Dips, Sauces, Party Food
Vintage 1950s Cream Cheese Cookbook - "Philly Dip Party Handbook" - Dips, Sauces, Party Food

Source: Etsy

I own the 1950s Betty Crocker Cookbook in the image below it has been really helpful in creating that authentic 1950’s food experience. Here are a few recipes from my book you can use for your own party.

betty-crocker-1950s-cookbook-image-1
1950s party food ideas from a vintage betty crocker cookbook. 1950s appetizers

Jello Molded Salads will be a big hit with your guests…guaranteed.

1950s Jello mold salad recipe as seen in a Betty Crocker 1950s Cookbook

Pigs in the Blankets are a 1950s party food staple.

1950s party food ideas-Miniature Pigs in a Blanket recipe as seen in a 1950s vintage betty crocker cookbook.

Canapes are always a good way to go and they are quick to make.

1950s party food ideas-Cnapes for your appetizers. 1950s appetizer recipe as seen in a 1950s Betty Crocker Cookbook.
1950s party food ideas-Cnapes for your appetizers. 1950s appetizer recipe as seen in a 1950s Betty Crocker Cookbook.

Drinks are a must and a good punch recipe should always be on hand. Here are 2 for you.

1950s Party Drink ideas-Punch recipe as seen in 1950s Betty Crocker Cookbook

Vintage Food Advertising w/ Recipes

Vintage advertising is an excellent source for 1950’s food ideas and recipes. Just type into Google ‘1950s vintage food recipes’ and watch the magic happen. Pinterest is also a great place for recipes and ideas.

1954 Food Ad, Hellmann's & Best Foods Mayonnaise, with Potato Salad Recipe. 1950s Vintage ad.

Source: Flickr

I showed you a Jell-O Mold Salad from my vintage cookbook above, here is another one for your eating pleasure.

Party Food Note: I’m pretty sure this won’t work at your event, but it was kind of fun to add because at some point SOMEONE thought this was a good idea.

1950s Jello-O Mod Lime Cheese Salad Recipe. 1950s Vintage Dessert Recipe as seen on a 1950s vintage ad.

Instead of a Jell-O mold how about Jell-O pudding? In particular ‘Frosted Fondant Pudding’ featuring Carnation Milk? What a delish 1950s ad!

Note: Want more 1950s dessert ideas? Then check out my blog post ‘1950s Dessert Ideas For Your Next Party‘

a vintage 1953 Jello/Carnation milk ad taken directly from the Star Weekly, May 30, 1953 edition. The 1950s ad features a vintage recipe for Jell-o frosted fondant pudding.

Source: Etsy

SPAM! Yes you need this (and can still be found in stores today)! Has anyone ever had a ‘Spam and cheese ribbon loaf?’

1950s vintage ad for SPAM featuring a 1950s recipe (perfect for a 1950s party) for Spam and cheese ribbon loaf.

Meat Loaf. Easy to make and a true 1950’s favourite (you could make mini ones for your party!).

1950s vintage ad for Hunts tomato sauce featuring 15 minute meat loaf recipe.

Source: McCallum Vintage Recipe Divas

Seven-Up Floats. Can be dessert, a drink option or a main dish.

Seven-Up Floats vintage 1950s ad

Source: Pop Culture Safari

Ikea can easily supply you the next food option OR if you want to be authentic here is a recipe for Swedish Meat Balls.

1950s Swedish Meat Balls recipe. 1950s vintage recipe.

Source: Antique Alter Ego

Looking for some dessert ideas to sweeten the party up? Angel Food cake is oh so good, especially when it’s a ‘Betty Crocker Cherry Nut Angle Food Cake’. YUM!

FURTHER READING: Vintage Cake Ideas As Seen Thru 1920s-1950s Ads

Betty Crocker Softasilk Cake Flour, May 1951 vintage food ad. Featuring a 'Betty Crocker Cherry Nut Angle Food Cake' recipe. 1950s dessert.

Source: Flickr

Marshmallow Crispy Squares are so easy, even I can make them! ‘9-minute marshmallow crispy square’.

1950s Vintage Ad for Kellogg's Rice Krispies featuring a vintage recipe for Rice Crispy Squares.

Source: Flickr

Lastly here were my other suggestions from my original post:

  • French Fries
  • Hotdogs and Hamburgers
  • Celery & Cheese whiz
  • Devilled Eggs
  • Pineapple upside cake
  • Casserole…anything
  • Fondue
  • Fruit on Skewers
  • Roasts
  • Pound Cake
  • Fruit Cup
  • Meat Pies
  • TV Dinners
  • Soufflé
  • Grilled cheese
  • Ice Cream/Banana splits

REMINDER! Make sure you check out my Etsy collection that I update once a month with vintage cookbooks from the 1900s to 1960s avail for sale.

I hope this extension of my “How to host a 1950s Themed Party” blog post was helpful and got the wheels turning on what to serve at your own party. Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

Question Time: What are your favorite 1950s Party Foods that you would add to this list?

Further Reading:

Food:

Party Games, Party Decor, 1950s Music, 1950s Fashion & More

For further Inspiration please make sure to check out my Pinterest Board on “Vintage Cooking Ideas”.

https://www.pinterest.ca/egruening/vintage-cooking-ideas/?invite_code=d25a74885bc344bcaea3b026f237a30a&sender=204562145482899545

Liz