Comfort food and nostalgia go hand and hand. It’s no surprise that classic comfort foods remind you of your childhood. You grew up with your mom making your favorite soothing meal when you weren’t feeling well, as a consolation prize when you deserved a reward, or when you just needed a hug.
Of course, dishes like mac ‘n cheese, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf have stood the test of time and are still giving comfort to this day. However, countless once-upon-a-time dishes that did their job well are no longer around for the party for some reason.
Take a trip down memory lane with these comfort foods you haven’t eaten in years. When you finish reading, know that your nostalgic eating tour does not have to end here! You won’t want to miss these 15 Old-Fashioned Cooking Tips That Really Work, Say Experts.
1
Peanut brittle
If you grew up eating this sweet, crunchy treat, you know just how comforting it is. It’s the perfect blend of peanuts, sugar, and butter, and eating this dessert will have you reminiscing back to the days spent hanging out on grandma’s porch.
Get the recipe for Peanut Brittle from Cooking Classy.
2
Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is an old southern dish made up of greens, rice, and black-eyed peas. Though delicious at any time of year, it is perhaps best known as the basis of a holiday tradition originating with African Americans; consuming this dish on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is believed to bring luck, wealth, and prosperity.
Get the recipe for Hoppin’ John from Well Plated by Erin.
3
Chicken à la King
The king of the comfort food dinners in the early 20th century—especially in winter—chicken à la king is a steamy rich dish was created with diced chicken, mushrooms, veggies, and sherry cream sauce, usually served over toast or biscuits. It was crowned in the 1800s, appearing on menus in upscale restaurants, namely in New York City. But in the ’50s, Chicken à la King held court in households across the nation. Turkey à la King was just as indulgent, but neither are served as often today as a similar classic: chicken pot pie.
Get the recipe for Chicken à la King from Taste & Tell.
4
Egg creams
With Jewish and New York City roots, this drink doesn’t contain eggs or cream. It was a regionally revered beverage made with chocolate, seltzer, and milk, and served often at soda fountains and in luncheonettes.
Get the recipe for Nutella Egg Cream from My Name Is Yeh.
5
Fluffernutter sandwiches
Marshmallow fluff is the quintessential feel-good food. I have a friend who always travels with a jar of this stuff—she eats it with a spoon straight out of the jar. In the ’60s and ’70s, peanut butter and marshmallow fluff slathered between two slices of white bread became a comfort sandwich for kids, but not so much anymore—perhaps because many of us are watching our sugar intake. (By the way, National Fluffernutter Day is October 8, if you need an excuse to eat this classic sandwich.)
Get the recipe for this Fluffernutter Panini from Taste & Tell.
6
Tapioca pudding
This is your grandmother’s comfort food: a pudding made with tapioca, cream or milk, and served cold or—better yet—warm. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, and these days you’ll find it in bubble tea more often than in pudding.
Get the recipe for this Vanilla Honey Tapioca Pudding from Foraged Dish.
