As someone who grew up in the Eighties, I got to experience a lot of food trends that are, by today’s standards, a little retro and old fashioned. That being said, many of the dishes I experienced as a child are well worth revisiting. Classic flavours never go out of style. Whether you’re indulging in a little kitchen nostalgia or trying these out for the first time, these retro recipes are guaranteed to make you feel a little bit groovy!

Classic Apricot Chicken Curry

Once a staple of the 1980’s dinner party, Apricot Chicken fell out of favour when party hosts wanted to impress their guest with more much elaborate dishes and menus. But this sweet and tangy chicken dish featuring chicken breast, apricot nectar and spices, is flavourful, succulent and very easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/lo8TtxZELYY

Prawn Cocktail Salad

This 1970’s classic appetiser was all the rage in posh restaurants and dinner parties. It featured shredded lettuce, succulent cooked prawns and a tangy cocktail sauce made of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Served in a chilled cocktail glass, this quick-to-make starter will delight your friends at any retro-themed dinner party!

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/TEbrs3ezCn0

Classic Ice Cream Floats

Once a staple of the old Soda Shop or Milk Bar, Ice Cream Floats (also known as Ice Cream Spiders in Australia!) became less popular when commercially bottled soft drinks rose to prominence, reducing the need for ‘soda jerks’ and eventually traditional soda shops themselves.

A chilled tall glass is filled with soft drink, such as creaming soda, root beer or cola, then topped with a scoop of ice cream. The soda and ice cream combine to make a sweet, foamy drink that was loved by kids and adults alike.

Nowadays, Ice Cream Floats can sometimes be found in cafes and restaurants with children’s menus, but are otherwise slipping away from the public consciousness. As a life-long float fan, I believe these classic drinks need to be brought back and shared with a new generation.

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/u_Q3B9aNwQk

Rock Cakes

Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, Rock Cakes were sort of a cake/cookie hybrid that was frequently found in local bakeries or at your grandmother’s house when she felt like a bit of baking. Like many baked treats, they were easy to adapt in flavour and composition, featuring everything from dried fruits to chocolate chips. I made a recipe for Rock Cakes years ago with choc chips and dried banana chips. Crispy, chewy and delectable fresh from the oven.

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/8l5pOzBpIZA

Old Fashioned Sherbet Candy

If you grew up before the 2000’s, you might remember this one from your childhood. A tangy, sour, sweet flavoured powder that was often sold with a lollypop or a plastic spoon which was used for licking and dipping. In Australia, this was often called ‘dib dabs’ and sold at corner shops. Sherbet was also used as the filling of some boiled candies. A crisp, sweet candy shell that hides a sour, tangy powder centre was a personal favourite of mine. Sherbet is very easy to make at home, and you can make it in a variety of flavours and colours.

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/AiJukn0_JdQ