In our long list of gag-worthy retro food is this strange recipe that comes from a cookbook titled “Be Bold With Bananas,” published in 1972. Apparently, hors d’oeuvres like this were all the rage back in the ’60s. As much as we like bananas, we’ll pass on them when served with mayo and pineapples on a bed of lettuce. Just the mere mention of all four in the same sentence can make even the most adventurous foodies hesitate.
We appreciate the audacity of experimenting with bold flavors. But Banana Candles might not be the masterpiece we’re craving. It’s a quirky relic from the past at best. So, thanks but no thanks, Banana Candles. We’ll pass on this peculiar throwback for now.
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.
Tomato-Banana Tarts
When two fantastic ingredients come together, it can lead to a surprising outcome. But in the case of Tomato-Banana Tarts, the combination might not be as appealing as it sounds. The picture certainly does no justice to potential taste, completely abysmal in visual appeal.
Yes, we know tomatoes are technically considered a fruit. But who in their right mind sees this combination as a typical fruit salad? It might be more enjoyable to mix bananas with apples or other fruits and pair tomatoes with various vegetables or even different fruits. Tomatoes and bananas? There’s no way we’re going near the thing!
Creepy Tuna Mold
This is probably one of the creepier dishes we have on the list. Just look at those eyes! The origin of this culinary nightmare remains a mystery. But one thing’s for sure! The inventor had some seriously wild imagination or perhaps a questionable substance.
Who in their right mind would even consider combining tuna, cream cheese, gelatin, and steak sauce to form such a ghastly, supposedly edible fish mold? Let's not forget those piercing eyes that seem to follow you everywhere. Is it a deliberate attempt to give you nightmares or a mere coincidence? We may never know. All we know is the dish is not for the faint of heart.
"Stuffed" Salmon
The mind-boggling fish mold trend continues with this peculiar twist, this time featuring salmon. Feast your eyes on the "Stuffed" Salmon, a dish that pushes the boundaries of culinary creativity. What makes things infinitely worse is the generous smothering of Hollandaise sauce, adding another layer of unappealing aesthetics.
Food doesn’t always have to look Instagram-worthy. But at least try looking nice for the average dinner table? You’ve got to hand it to baby boomers and their food curiosities. Each dish makes you question everything you thought you knew about food, which isn’t necessarily always a good thing because our brains hurt!