For a fun peek at the past, take a look at these recipes I've gathered from old cookbooks - and the updated versions that follow. You'll see how far we've come. And if you want to have an adventure, try making one of the old recipes. Your family will love it. I do have to warn you, however, that unless you are an experienced cook, don't attempt the more complicated old-fashioned recipes. I've been cooking for 40 years (yes, I started at a young age), and I haven't even attempted Aunt Carrie's Bonbon Cake!
Old Time Recipes And Their Updated Cousins
- Aunt Carrie's Bonbon Cake
This is the amazing cake that has a divinity filling and cooked fudge frosting. People really used to cook this way!
- Updated Chocolate Layer Cake
A chocolate layer cake is a wonderful, traditional, comforting dessert. This recipe is delicious, fun to make, and very easy. For tips, see How To Frost A Layer Cake.
- Cooked Fudge
Once in your life, you really should make this fudge. It has all the perfect characteristics - it melts in your mouth, yet there is a slight caramel chewiness to the texture. It is smooth, creamy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
- Easiest Fudge In The World
But, for a quick fudge that is quite delicious, this foolproof recipe takes about 3 minutes. How about a taste test?
- Meat Ball Stew En Casserole
This is one of my family's favorite main dishes. I remember, as a teenager, helping my mom make this recipe. It took hours, from the scratch mashed potatoes to the scratch meatballs. Even though the recipe uses canned condensed soup, it can't be considered quick. Take a look!
- Updated Meat Ball Stew
This updated version of Meat Ball Stew En Casserole tastes just like the original, but uses some of my favorite convenience products.
- Chocolate Nut Toffee
There's a great story associated with this candy - click on the link above to read it. It's all about how I became a cook. And as a bonus, the candy is fabulous.
- Updated Chocolate Nut Toffee
I love this recipe. It's so simple kids can make it. The flavors are wonderful, and the finished product has almost the same taste and crunch as the cooked candy version.
- Easy Cheese Snack Bread
Did you know that a variation of this recipe, from the 2nd Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1950, was one of the forerunners of focaccia? Talk about predicting a trend! And the recipe was in the winner's family for generations.
- Cheese Focaccia
This updated version of the popular bread is so easy and so good. Try it for dinner tonight.
- Double Butterscotch Rolls
Before there was refrigerated crescent dough, cooks made it from scratch. This yummy recipe was also a great trend predictor.
- Updated Butterscotch Crescents
The use of refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe so easy you can make it on a busy weekday morning. Imagine how your kids will love that!
- Chocolate Cream Pie
Before refrigerated pie crusts, every crust had to be made from scratch. And the filling to this delectable pie is also a scratch pudding.
- Updated Chocolate Mousse Pie
This recipe uses very popular convenience products: refrigerated pie crusts, pudding mix, and frozen whipped topping. And it is delicious!
