So a question that often goes through one's mind when perusing bizarre concoctions in strange old recipe books is: "Did anyone actually eat this stuff?" In my research, the answer seems to be "maybe." A lot of cookbooks were made as promotions for various food companies and a lot of the recipes came from "test kitchens." For all we know, they may have been made once in the test kitchen and never again. Maybe people made them and they were as much of a flop then as now. Which is why I'm so fascinated with the Pillsbury Bake-off cookbooks: this is food originated by home cooks. People not only made it, but it was tasted by multiple judges and deemed better than the food of other contestants. This is prize-winning food of it's time!
This is not to say that there aren't still a few oddities in there...which is why I decided to try out the "Chicken Salad Pie" from Junior winner Marlyce Ann Snay of Haven, Kansas. A pie of pineapple, American Cheese and chicken salad topped with mayo whipped cream (See full recipe).
I'll admit, my alarm bells were going off at the mention of American Cheese. I'm a firm believer that American Cheese is great on breakfast sandwiches, burgers and pretty much nothing else. Still, I decided to put my faith in the bake-off judges of 1954. The recipe was fairly easy to execute, although I cheated and used a frozen pie crust (Pillsbury, natch!). I tried it and thought it was so-so. Not unsurprisingly, I thought the American Cheese was the worst part. Then I started trying to get my boyfriend to taste it for the second opinion. It took me about a day to wear him down, during which time I heard him complaining to his mom on the phone that I was trying to make him eat some "weird pie." When he finally agreed to taste a piece, he took a bite, said "wow! This is better than I thought it would be...can I throw it away now?"
So my conclusion was that this dish would probably not be winning any prizes here in the glorious future. It could probably be made a little more palatable, though, by replacing the American Cheese with a sharp cheddar and losing the whipped topping.
What a wonderful idea to try out some of these recipes. I loved the book "Something From the Oven" but never thought about creating some of the weird creations she spoke of. I applaud you!
Posted by: Alexis Michael | March 20, 2007 at 11:19 PM
I have a cookbook that's a reprint of the original Better Homes and Gardens cookbook from the 1956, and everything has American cheese in it.
It's completely awesome that you're making all this stuff, I would too if I wasn't veggie only! I'm sticking to the cakes.
Posted by: Kelly | March 23, 2007 at 12:05 PM
I promise to be a devoted reader! I haven't read a thing yet my you have cracked me up with the photo's and you made you own... I LOVE IT, I need my morning tea and to sit here and read my sunday morning away, right here!
keep of being this way!
Posted by: Kelly_ModernJune | March 25, 2007 at 08:47 AM
yeah, I love those old recipes, EVERY single salad involves gelatin. I swear to god, I saw one with ketchup, beets, pineapple, pork, whipped topping, and gelatin once.
Posted by: Atomic645 | March 31, 2007 at 06:59 PM
omg I found my retro heaven! LMAO - I love to cook and I LOVE what you're doing..and here I was thinking this recipe might have some potential??until I read the rest... too funny...gotta love the boyfriends as test subjects though!
yep - I agree..I take the oath to promise and be a devote reader from here on!
Posted by: Flirty | April 30, 2007 at 07:16 PM
It's important to note that in the 50's, 'American cheese' was made of real cheese and wasn't processed. Makes a BIG different, taste-wise!
To reproduce 50's-style 'American cheese', blend Colby and cheddar.
Posted by: Raven | September 12, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Salad and pie together - you have got to love the retro chefs who thought up these things!
I like your blog very much. I also love writing about retro/vintage recipes and household things.
Posted by: Lidian | March 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Wow. It's so strange to see those crazy weird recipes are actually prepared and photographed in color! I hope you post more about your scary expirments!
Posted by: signthelist | March 30, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Oh YUCK! I don't mind meat pies, but somehow making chicken look like a merengue pie makes it absolutely revolting.
I love your blog - I'm linking it to mine. I also had a bunch of scary recipes and food adverts from days of yore...
cheers!
Posted by: Celia Pleete | June 19, 2008 at 01:16 PM