The Childhood Foods That Once Filled Our Plates: A Nostalgic Journey
Do you remember the foods that brought you comfort as a child? They were more than just snacks; they were part of the fabric of your childhood. FromSpace Food Sticks to Jell-o 1-2-3, these are the foods that might be difficult to find now but hold a special place in our hearts. Join us as we explore these nostalgic treats and share our memories with you.
The Decline of Space Food Sticks
The first thing that comes to mind is Space Food Sticks, which were a major treat in my childhood. These forerunners of energy bars were created by Pillsbury for NASA missions and were a popular snack for astronauts (and, in fact, for kids) back in the day. Despite never being officially flown by NASA, Space Food Sticks were all the rage in the 1970s, when I was a kid. However, Pillsbury discontinued them a long time ago. In recent years, another company bought the intellectual property (IP) and continued to sell them in science museum gift shops. Unfortunately, even this business closed down, and the IP was eventually purchased by a third company in 2019, who are now manufacturing them as cannabis edibles.
The Disappearance of Jell-o 1-2-3
Another treat that has now become a relic of the past is Jell-o 1-2-3, a mix that gave you a unique culinary experience. To recreate the delicious layers of fluffy gelatin, you had to mix it just right. It was an art form, and I remember spending hours perfecting the recipe to get the perfect consistency. Sadly, the original product has discontinued, and it's no longer available in most stores. A few niche companies still make it, but the nostalgic experience of trying to get the perfect gelatin layer is truly a thing of the past.
The Octagonal Tostada Pizza
One of my fondest past memories is the octagonal tostada pizza from back in my school days. I've tried recreating it online, but none of the recipes quite capture the essence of my childhood version. It was a simple delight, and expressing my disappointment every time I tried a newer version is a reminder of how times have changed.
HI-C Ectocooler
Another childhood staple was HI-C Ectocooler, a refreshment that really needed to be consumed straight from the massive tin can. Sadly, I haven't found an exact replication of this experience in recent years, which brings back a sense of nostalgia every time I hear the name.
The Loss of Smelt
The start of every preteen meal at home was my relentless request for smelt. I beg Mom to buy a bag, and I spend hours cleaning and preparing them for the pan. My mom would pan fry them in a cornmeal crust, and the results were always so good. But overfishing in the Sandy River in Oregon has sadly made it impossible to find smelt any longer. The taste and the memory will forever remain.
Heinz Tomato Soup and Lyons Apple Fruit Pie
Mother's cooking was directly influenced by the food she served when she worked for wealthy families. One of her signature dishes back in the day was Heinz Tomato Soup served with a Lyons Apple Fruit Pie. It was not the round pies we see today; rather, it was square and came in a box. The box, in fact, was so square that it could be mistaken for cobblestones. I could not wait to have a box and eat it right out of the container, cold and straight from the fridge. I often recall how I used to beg my mother to cook like my auntie Jean, who was a superb cook and served square Heinz Tomato Soup and Lyons Apple Fruit Pie.
Spaghettios
Spaghettios was another food that became a recent obsession with me during my childhood. It’s only now that I realize the nostalgia associated with it. Nowadays they use a new sauce recipe, which is a bit of a letdown compared to the original. It's a bit ironic, considering that the brand tried to go back to the original recipe in 2020 and failed. But, the love for the old Spaghettios recipe remains with me to this day.
A Conclusion on Nostalgia and Legacy
Unfortunately, the world is changing, and childhood memories often mean just that: memories. However, we can still strive to recreate and relive those moments through traditional recipes and the power of nostalgia. Sharing these memories and the ingredients that made them possible is an important step in preserving the legacy of our shared childhoods.