The 1970s were a notable decade in many ways, not least of which was its unique and often experimental approach to cuisine. With a blend of comfort foods, international influences, and the introduction of convenience cooking, the era left a lasting impression on culinary history. Here are 20 famous recipes from the 1970s that we’d love to see make a comeback.
1. **Fondue** – This communal dish became the epitome of 70s dinner parties. Cheese fondue, where guests dipped bread into a communal pot of melted cheese mixed with garlic and wine, embodied the social dining experience.
2. **Quiche Lorraine** – A savory pie from France that became hugely popular in American households, featuring bacon, cheese, and onions in a creamy custard filling.
3. **Beef Stroganoff** – This creamy concoction of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with sour cream originated from Russia but found its way into nearly every American cookbook during the 70s.
4. **Watergate Salad** – A quirky mix of pistachio pudding mix with pineapple, whipped topping, and marshmallows that got its name from the Watergate scandal.
5. **Pineapple Chicken** – Sweet and tangy pineapple chicken was a popular dish that brought a touch of the exotic to everyday dining.
6. **Tuna Noodle Casserole** – This easy-to-make casserole made regular appearances at family dinners across America. It combined canned tuna with noodles and peas in a creamy sauce.
7. **Deviled Eggs** – Perfect for parties or as an appetizer before dinner, these eggs filled with their own yolk mixed with mayonnaise and mustard were everywhere during this decade.
8. **Carrot Cake** – This moist cake laced with grated carrots and topped with cream cheese frosting gained popularity for being considered a ‘healthier’ dessert option.
9. **Black Forest Cake** – Layers of chocolate sponge cake interspersed with cherries and whipped cream defined this luxurious dessert imported from Germany.
10. **Hamburger Helper** – Introduced in 1971 as an easy dinner solution for working families this box mix which stretched ground beef into a family meal became an icon of convenience cooking.
11. **Swedish Meatballs** – Often served at parties or as comfort food these small spiced meatballs typically came smothered in creamy gravy.
12. **Chicken Kiev** – This dish features chicken breasts pounded thin stuffed with cold butter then breaded and deep fried or baked Unbelievably rich it was considered quite gourmet at the time
13. **Baked Alaska** – An impressive dessert consisting of ice cream on sponge cake topped with browned meringue made waves back then
14 Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – An attractive cake where caramelized pineapple rings sit prettily on top once flipped out of the pan brought tropical vibes to many meals
15 Harvey Wallbanger Cake – Named after the popular cocktail this cake incorporated orange juice vodka Galliano liqueur into both batter glaze making it very adult indeed
16 Coq Au Vin – This French braise of chicken cooked slowly mushrooms onions red wine became widely enjoyed thanks to Julia Child’s promotion America
17 Ambrosia Salad – Featuring canned fruits including mandarin oranges coconut marshmallows sour cream or yogurt this sweet fruit salad was part festive treat part side dish
18 Cheese Balls – Creamy cheesy outer layers often coated nuts seeds spices accompanied by crackers they were essential snacking during gatherings
19 Egg Foo Young – A Chinese-American omelet filled vegetables sometimes meat shrimp covered brown gravy spoke fusion before term even existed
20 Chiffon Pie – Light airy pies made gelatin beaten egg whites fruit flavors like lemon strawberry represented simpler times desserts without fuss
These dishes reflect more than just tastes they capture spirit an era when experimenting flavors textures around dinner table commonplace Whether nostalgic trip down memory lane chance discover something new revisiting these classic recipes great way bring little bit 70s back kitchen