We've all seen the photos of weird things floating around in Jell-O and strange meatpies that really defined the idiom “throwing in the kitchen sink" when it came to recipes. We look at that now and think, “how in tarnation were any humans able to stomach these monstrosities??” My guess, is that everyone stayed pretty skinny bake in the day because they didn't want to eat these horrendous dishes! I mean, that and like the great depression and not being able to have a fully stoked pantry 24/7…
TikToker B. Dylan Hollis discovered some vintage recipes and decided to give it a whirl one day. He shared his adventure on TikTok and very quickly became viral. Now, he's constantly whipping up these old recipes that most of us hope to never have to encounter. He not only makes them by hand, in his own kitchen, he tries them… He puts these strange food groups grouped together into his mouth and tastes it… That's a superpower I'll never have. That's some Fear Factory level sh*t right there.
Baked Beans Pizza 1964
A lot of the recipes are from the Great Depression era, so people had to work with what they had—that's understandable. They'd make dishes that were hardy in protein and sugars, etc. with the sole intent of survival. Delicious flavor combos and high quality taste was a luxury many could not afford. But then we hit the ‘60s and ’70s and I mean, things still weren't the best then, but they were way better than the Great Depression era. Why are people sticking all their meals into friggin' Jell-O??
“Milkorno” 1933
Corn Cookies 1930
Spaghetti Jell-O Rings 1965
Fiesta Peach Spam Bake 1954
Would you ever try one of these recipes? I don't think I could even pretend to take a bite out of courtesy. Though how funny would it be if you showed up to the next potluck dinner you're invited to with something like “baked beans pizza” or “pickled cheesecake”?? You'd either be hated, or be the hit of the party—all depends on the humor and courage of your friend group.
But then it makes you think, people really were the hit of the party when they'd show up with a thing like the “fiesta peach spam bake.” Someone would bring that and the guests would really say, “yum! omg how exotic! Can't wait to try some.” Like… Were they being serious or just trying to be nice? Does anybody actually know someone who has eaten one of these crazy vintage dishes? Maybe there are no survivors from them…
Jellied Meatloaf 1931
Pickled Cheesecake 1972
Bologna Cake 1966
Some of the dishes Hollis makes still sound strange, but actually turn out looking pretty good. I mean, “avocado bread” sounds like a weight lifters dream with all that protein. '"Potato Chip Cookies," pretty sure you can still get these at some of those small town fairs and they look pretty good.