If You Were Alive in the 1970s You Had These Foods for Christmas Dinner
Here’s the scoop on the ultimate Christmas foods that’ll take you straight back to the grooviest decade – the 60s and 70s!
These dishes are pure nostalgia and tell the delicious story of culinary traditions from back in the day. Sure, things might have changed a bit since then, but these classics will forever hold a special spot in our hearts as a reminder of the joy and coziness that Christmas brings. Get ready to indulge in some seriously tasty time travel!
Roast Turkey
No Christmas dinner would be complete without a succulent roast turkey. In the 1960-1970’s, turkeys were often stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices before being slow roasted to perfection. It was then served alongside cranberry sauce and gravy for a truly festive meal.
Glazed Ham
Another popular centerpiece for Christmas dinner was glazed ham. The ham would be covered in a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. It was then baked until the glaze caramelized, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish.
Mince Pies
Mince pies were a staple on every Christmas table in the 1970’s. These small, sweet pastries were filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and brandy. They were often served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or custard. Tradition states that Mince pies originated in the 12th century in the Middle East.
Christmas Pudding
A traditional Christmas pudding was a must-have dessert during this time period. It was made with suet, dried fruits, and breadcrumbs, then steamed for several hours to create a dense and rich pudding. The pudding would then be served flaming with brandy or rum. Originating in 14th century Britain, this dessert has been served during holiday meals for centuries.
Yule Log
This French-inspired dessert became extremely popular in the late 1970’s. A sponge cake would be rolled, filled with buttercream and covered in chocolate to resemble a log. It was often decorated with meringue mushrooms and holly leaves for a festive touch.
Eggnog
Eggnog has been a traditional Christmas drink since the 1800’s, and it has remained popular during the holiday season. This rich and creamy beverage was made with eggs, cream, milk, and a splash of rum or brandy for a festive twist.
Fruitcake
Although it may have gained a bad reputation in recent years, fruitcake was a beloved Christmas dessert in the 1960s. This dense cake was filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, then soaked in brandy for several weeks to develop its flavor.
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies have been a popular Christmas treat for centuries, and let’s give a nod to the iconic gingerbread house! These spiced cookies were often cut into festive shapes like stars, trees, or Santas and decorated with icing and candies.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes were a staple side dish in the 1970’s for Christmas dinner. Interestingly, the original sweet potato casserole recipe was created in 1917 by a marshmallow manufacturer. The potatoes would be sliced and coated in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon before being baked until tender and caramelized.
Cheese Ball
A cheese ball made from cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and various herbs and spices was a must-have party snack during the holidays. It would be served with crackers or sliced baguette for a savory and satisfying treat. Legend states that in 1801 a Wisconsin farmer created the first cheese ball and gifted it to President Jefferson.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms were another popular appetizer during the 1970’s. Mushroom caps were filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese before being baked until golden and crispy.
Baked Alaska
A show-stopping dessert, Baked Alaska was often served at holiday parties in the 1960-1970’s. A dome-shaped ice cream cake would be covered in meringue and then quickly browned in the oven for a warm outer layer and a cold, creamy center. Like so many other holiday dishes, Baked Alaska is thought to have been created 100 years earlier to commemorate the acquisition of Alaska from Russia.
White Nougat
White nougat is a traditional dessert that originated in the Mediterranean region, specifically in Spain and Italy. It is believed to have been created during the reign of Roman Emperor Tiberius as a sweet treat for special occasions. White nougat was made with honey, almonds, and egg whites, giving it a chewy yet crunchy texture.
It is clear that these classic holiday recipes hold an important place in our celebrations year after year. They provide us with a connection to the past and they bring joy and comfort during times of uncertainty. As you gather around the holiday table with your family and friends this year, take a moment to appreciate the recipes that have been a part of the holidays for centuries.
The 2 Things You Need to Survive the Holiday Drama
Okay, friends, the holidays are coming; who’s ready to run the gauntlet of stress and family drama? Between the last-minute gift buying and feeling like you might as well pitch a tent at the grocery store, holidays are like running the hurdles at a high school track meet. Eventually, due to crushing fatigue, you don’t jump high enough and get whacked in the groin, launching yourself into the air and landing with a spectacular face plant!
Relatable?
Blended Families and The Holidays: Can It Be Enjoyable?
You have re-married! Congratulations! Its incredible to be in love and happy again!! Your love story feels amazing. As a couple you want to celebrate your new life and you can’t wait to share blended family holidays!
Blended families are one of the most challenging and rewarding things about re-marriage. Often, one of the most destructive things to a second marriage is the stepchildren. Loyalties are triggered, birth parents feel defensive or embarrassed by their kid’s behavior, and the non-bio parent feels left out of rituals and memories of family history.
It can be a real circus.
This article written and syndicated by Midlife is Magical.
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Melane Ann is a writer, blogger, and life coach. In 2020, she turned her experience in midlife divorce and creating a new life for herself into midlifeismagical. With a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, Melane focuses on helping women over 50 navigate their relationships and commit to healthy aging. She and her new husband share 7 children between them. Melane jokes that she has a black belt in blended families! In addition to her writing, Melane works virtually with her coaching clients from her home office.
