Old-school recipes bring back memories of simpler times, with familiar dishes that remind us of family meals and traditions. These are the kinds of meals that have stood the test of time, offering comfort and nostalgia in every bite. They might not be trendy or fancy, but they’re the kind of food everyone grew up loving. Get ready to rediscover some forgotten favorites that deserve a spot back in your weekly rotation.
Lattice Top Apple Pie
This classic lattice top apple pie takes about an hour to make and features a filling of sliced apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar. The crust is buttery and flakey, offering a perfect complement to the soft, sweet apples inside. The lattice design adds a traditional look, making it a nostalgic dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the balance of sweetness and warmth that feels like a true home-baked memory.
Get the Recipe: Lattice Top Apple Pie
Sautéed Cabbage with Peppers
Sautéed cabbage with peppers is a quick 25-minute side dish that combines shredded cabbage with colorful bell peppers. The dish has a tender, savory taste with a bit of sweetness from the caramelized vegetables. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, it’s a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. It’s a versatile and hearty side, perfect for bringing back old-school dining memories.
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Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
This creamy Russian potato salad, known as Olivier, is ready in about 40 minutes and is a hearty mix of potatoes, pickles, peas, and carrots. The ingredients are bound together with mayonnaise, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. Each bite is filled with soft vegetables and crunchy pickles, making it a must-have for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s a filling dish that adds a nostalgic touch to any table.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Russian cottage cheese pancakes, or Syrniki, take about 20 minutes to whip up and are made with cottage cheese, eggs, and a little flour. They’re lightly fried until golden brown, resulting in a slightly crispy outside and soft, creamy inside. These pancakes have a mild, tangy flavor that pairs well with jams or sour cream. They’re a simple and comforting breakfast dish from the old world.
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Russian Beet Salad
Russian beet salad, also called vinaigrette, takes about 40 minutes and is a vibrant mix of beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles. The beets give the salad a deep red color, while the potatoes and carrots add softness and earthy flavors. The tang from pickles and dressing makes every bite refreshing. This colorful dish is perfect for brightening up your plate with a nostalgic flair.
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Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a sweet and savory dish that takes around 1.5 hours to prepare. It features chicken baked with prunes, olives, capers, and herbs in a marinade of vinegar and brown sugar. The combination of tender chicken, sweet prunes, and briny olives gives this dish a unique flavor that’s both comforting and bold. It’s an old-school favorite that surprises and satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies take just about 30 minutes to make and combine pumpkin puree, oats, and chocolate chips. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle spice, while the oats provide texture, and the chocolate chips give a sweet, rich bite. These cookies are soft and chewy, making them a cozy treat perfect for fall. They’re a comforting, old-fashioned cookie you’ll want to make year after year.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup
Pecan pie with maple syrup is a 1-hour dessert with a rich, gooey filling made from pecans, maple syrup, and butter. The crust is flaky, while the filling offers a deep, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. Each bite is sweet, crunchy, and buttery, making it an indulgent treat for any occasion. It’s a timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past.
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Cherry Cobbler
Cherry cobbler takes about 45 minutes and features juicy cherries baked under a golden, biscuit-like topping. The cherries bring a sweet and tart flavor, while the topping provides a crumbly and buttery contrast. Served warm, it’s the kind of dessert that evokes memories of summers gone by. Every bite combines the comfort of fruit and soft, comforting dough.
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Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish macaroni salad is a creamy and tangy dish ready in about 30 minutes, made with cooked macaroni, eggs, vegetables, and a dressing of mayonnaise and mustard. The salad has a satisfying crunch from the vegetables and a smooth, creamy dressing that ties everything together. This simple, old-fashioned dish is perfect for potlucks and picnics. It’s a classic comfort food that brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Ukha is a traditional Russian fish soup that takes about 1 hour and features a light broth filled with chunks of fish, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. The broth is delicate, allowing the flavor of the fish to shine while the vegetables add heartiness. It’s a warming and nourishing soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This dish brings a sense of comfort that feels like it’s been passed down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Grandma’s hearty offal stew takes a few hours to cook and features a mix of organ meats slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs. The stew is rich, with deep, savory flavors that come from the meats and vegetables absorbing the broth. It’s a filling, old-world dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals that used every part of the animal. This stew is truly a taste of history, perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew