Why was everything jellied? This period of culinary history had gelatin in every recipe imaginable. Here we have the jelly salad—a concoction that raises more questions than it answers. The salad is a curious mix of gelatin, tomato juice, dehydrated green pepper, artificial sweetener, and even beef broth. Sounds suspiciously like Rachel Green’s botched-up English trifle in “F.R.I.E.N.D.S,” except jellied tomato is a legit recipe!
The origins of the dish go back to 1974, allegedly in “Weight Watchers” —a program known for its calorie-conscious approach. The jellied tomato refresher might be low in calories, but it falls woefully short in both taste and nutritional value. Perhaps one can count their calories and steps while walking this dish right back into the fridge or the trash. Spare yourself the torture of eating it.
Hot Dog Fondue
Fondue parties were all the rage during the 70s. Friends and family huddled around a bubbling fondue pot. Stories were shared. Good food was had. But wait, things are about to take a quirky turn. Brace yourselves for the hot dog cutting chart— a myriad of unconventional ways to slice up everyone's favorite sausages.
Who would've guessed that there were so many creative ways to transform a simple hot dog? Call us old-fashioned, but some of us prefer a more traditional approach. Slap a hot dog on a bun, top it with your favorite condiments, and call it a day. After all, simplicity is the key to hot dog perfection.
Lobster Jell-O
Just when you thought you had seen it all, behold the dreaded lobster Jell-O. And now you really have a reason to fear for your life because this thing looks dangerous. In a world where culinary trends come and go, lobster Jell-o has mercifully disappeared from the spotlight.
And there's a very good reason for that. This layered monstrosity is a ghastly combination of gelatin, vinegar, pint cream, shrimp, mayonnaise, and the star of the show—lobster. The repulsive texture is likely to send shivers down your spine and activate your gag reflex. As for the taste? That’s best left unexplored if you value your gut.
Atora Steak Puddings
Hold up! Is that a body part? Atora Steak Puddings might have been a hit back in the day, but it's time to embrace modern culinary trends. Baby boomers let go of the past. Please. Why stick to the same old “pudding” (we use the term loosely here) when there's a world of new recipes out there?
These puddings are often loaded with unhealthy fats and calories. We’d probably understand if they tasted good. But, sorry. This dish is bland and lacks any excitement in the taste department. Why feel weighed down (sometimes quite literally) by bizarre culinary traditions? Choose lighter, healthier, and tastier alternatives.
Shrimp Sandwich Roll
The Shrimp Sandwich Roll probably tasted okay, but its marketing might have doomed it from the start. The aesthetics leave much to be desired. But let’s backtrack a bit. Back in the day, Instagram-worthy food wasn't a priority. Those were simpler times. This one’s a classic case of "looks can be deceiving."
While the Shrimp Sandwich Roll may not win any beauty contests, it's the flavor that truly matters. Right? We don’t know if we can fall in love with its potential, though. All we see is a pile of inedible goop. Steer clear unless you’re the kind who loves a food adventure yourself that's both intriguing and off-putting.