21 forgotten recipes that will bring back childhood memories

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There’s something special about old-school recipes that takes us back to simpler times. These 21 forgotten dishes are sure to bring back memories of childhood meals and family gatherings. Each recipe is a nod to the past, offering comfort and familiarity in every bite. Get ready to revisit some classic favorites that have stood the test of time.

Forkfull of Air Fryer Apple Crisp.
Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions

Three bowls of buckwheat kasha with mushrooms and greens.
Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions is a hearty, earthy dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are buckwheat, mushrooms, and onions, creating a nutty and savory flavor profile. This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners and rustic home cooking. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

A tray of cookies with rosemary sprigs on it.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that can be made in just 30 minutes. The main ingredients are butter, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and fresh rosemary, resulting in a buttery and fragrant cookie. These cookies evoke childhood memories of baking with family and enjoying simple yet delicious snacks. They are perfect for a quick, nostalgic treat that pairs well with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies

Classic French Toast

Slice of French toast on white plate topped with blueberries, powdered sugar, and syrup.
Classic French Toast. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Classic French Toast is a breakfast favorite that takes around 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of cinnamon, creating a sweet and comforting dish. This recipe brings back memories of lazy weekend mornings and the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. It’s an easy and satisfying way to start the day.
Get the Recipe: Classic French Toast

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

A cake topped with peaches and flowers.
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll is a gluten-free dessert that takes about an hour to prepare. The main ingredients are peaches, gluten-free flour, eggs, and sugar, resulting in a light and fruity cake. This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a delightful treat that combines sweetness and nostalgia in every bite.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)

Mujadara

White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that takes around 45 minutes to make. The main ingredients are lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, creating a savory and aromatic flavor. This recipe evokes memories of comforting family meals and the rich flavors of home-cooked food. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Snack Mix

Close up of snack mix made up of Chex, pretzels, peanuts, and Cheerios.
Snack Mix. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Snack Mix is a quick and easy recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are various cereals, pretzels, nuts, and a savory seasoning blend, resulting in a crunchy and salty snack. This mix brings back memories of childhood parties and movie nights. It’s a versatile and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Snack Mix

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out.
Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grandma’s Cornbread is a classic recipe that takes about 30 minutes to bake. The main ingredients are cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, creating a slightly sweet and moist bread. This cornbread brings back memories of family dinners and holiday feasts. It’s a comforting and timeless side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Overhead view of blue bowl of soup.
Ukha Russian Fish Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a traditional dish that takes around 40 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are fresh fish, potatoes, carrots, and dill, resulting in a light and flavorful broth. This soup evokes memories of hearty family meals and the rich culinary heritage of Russia. It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Overhead view of citrus salad with citrus.
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a refreshing dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are various citrus fruits, pistachios, and a spicy dressing, creating a tangy and crunchy salad. This recipe brings back memories of summer picnics and light, refreshing meals. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios

Tomato Tart

A pie with tomatoes and thyme on top.
Tomato Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tomato Tart is a savory dish that takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are ripe tomatoes, puff pastry, and cheese, resulting in a flaky and flavorful tart. This recipe evokes memories of garden-fresh produce and homemade meals. It’s a delicious and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart

Black sesame sourdough buns

Sesame buns with sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.
Black sesame sourdough buns. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black sesame sourdough buns are a unique and flavorful bread that takes about 4 hours to make, including rising time. The main ingredients are sourdough starter, flour, and black sesame seeds, creating a slightly tangy and nutty flavor. These buns bring back memories of artisan baking and the smell of fresh bread. They are perfect for a special homemade treat.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a simple and flavorful dish that takes around 40 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are chicken, bell peppers, potatoes, and paprika, resulting in a savory and slightly smoky flavor. This recipe brings back memories of easy weeknight dinners and family meals. It’s a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Homemade matzo ball soup

Close up on 3 matzo balls in soup.
Homemade matzo ball soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade matzo ball soup is a comforting dish that takes about 1 hour to prepare. The main ingredients are matzo meal, eggs, chicken broth, and fresh herbs, creating a rich and savory soup. This recipe evokes memories of traditional Jewish holidays and family gatherings. It’s a warm and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Chocolate croissants on a plate with a cup of coffee.
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chocolate gluten-free rugelach is a delightful pastry that takes around 2 hours to make, including chilling time. The main ingredients are gluten-free flour, butter, chocolate, and sugar, resulting in a rich and sweet treat. This recipe brings back memories of holiday baking and special family traditions. It’s a delicious and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Red cabbage on a white plate.
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut is a tangy and crunchy side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are cabbage, vinegar, and spices, creating a flavorful and slightly sour taste. This recipe evokes memories of traditional Russian meals and homemade preserves. It’s a simple and nostalgic way to enjoy a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings is a hearty dish that takes around 1 hour to make. The main ingredients are chicken, flour, and broth, resulting in a rich and comforting meal. This recipe brings back memories of Southern comfort food and family dinners. It’s a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade gumdrops in clear dish.
Homemade Gumdrops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Homemade Gumdrops are a fun and colorful treat that takes about 2 hours to make, including setting time. The main ingredients are sugar, gelatin, and fruit juice, creating a sweet and chewy candy. This recipe evokes memories of childhood sweets and holiday treats. It’s a delightful and nostalgic way to enjoy homemade candy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gumdrops

Argentinian Empanadas

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas are a savory pastry that takes around 1 hour to prepare. The main ingredients are dough, various fillings like beef or vegetables, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying snack. This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings and traditional Argentine cuisine. It’s a delicious and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Two bowls of beet soup on a wooden table.
Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a hearty soup that takes about 1 hour to make. The main ingredients are beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, creating a rich and earthy flavor. This recipe evokes memories of traditional Ukrainian meals and family gatherings. It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Overhead view of plate of potatoes and mushrooms.
Paprika potatoes and mushrooms. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Paprika potatoes and mushrooms is a savory dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are potatoes, mushrooms, and paprika, creating a smoky and hearty flavor. This recipe brings back memories of simple, home-cooked meals and the comforting taste of familiar ingredients. It’s a quick and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Paprika potatoes and mushrooms

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Forkfull of Air Fryer Apple Crisp.
Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a sweet and crunchy dessert that takes about 25 minutes to make. The main ingredients are apples, oats, and a touch of cinnamon, resulting in a warm and comforting treat. This recipe evokes memories of fall desserts and family gatherings. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a nostalgic dessert with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

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