Retro Food Fiascos: A Collection of Curious Concoctions

Banana meatloaf, tuna Jell-O salad, and Spam smoothies—borderline tummy-turners to downright doubtful, RETRO FOOD FIASCOS is a showcase of culinary curiosities from some of America’s favorite magazines, cookbooks, and food companies. In the name of nutrition and creative cooking, the marketing and recipe writers of the 1950s cooked up some very suspicious combinations. Innovations in food processing and new products tempted everyone to play with their food—from the amateur cook to the professional chef. And the results? We’ll let you be the judge. The pages are filled with actual recipes and images of some of the most daring dishes to ever leave the kitchen. So get out your Jell-O mold, canned meat, and best casserole dish—it’s time to get funky and answer the question "What were they thinking?"