Decorated Chilled Ham, 1963

Nothing says abundant like a ham platter shaped like a Viking burial barge. The caption for said ham platter reads "Glamour for a few pennies!". I guess in 1963, chilled canned ham was cheap thrills.

From: Better Homes and Gardens Meals with Foreign Flair, 1963

Fillets of Cod with Caper Sauce, 1985

I know it's futile, but I feel compelled to throw the little fellas in the middle a life preserver.

Photo from: Supercookery! 1985

Meat and Vegetable Soup, 1967

This seemingly innocuous picture belies something more unnatural. See recipe below (locovores and slow foodies might want to turn away now):

If I was stuck in a nuclear fallout shelter for 2 years, this would be my go to recipe. At any other time it is an affront to nature.

From: Better Homes and Gardens Jiffy Cooking, 1967

Salmon Trout in Aspic, 1973

Wow. This Trout really got the once-over. I am particularly amused by the jaunty tuft of parsley that sits atop the trouts head, like a bad toupee. Note the tray, heavily besmirched with aspic, encases a happy little floral motif, further mocking the trouts predicament.

Photo from: The gourmet's guide to French Cooking, 1973

Springtime Potatoes

Haiku for Springtime Potatoes:

Food Stylist using

Elmer's glue as sour cream sauce

Radish stays in place

Photo From: Better Homes and Gardens Fix It Fast Cook Book, 1979

Lemony Salmon Tower, 1958

The caption for this recipe reads: "Tart shimmery lemon gelatin accents rich salmon flavor in this luscious molded salad. Relishes are anchovies, herring in sour cream, marinated shrimp, sardines."

If I had a cat I would make this for its birthday.

From: Better Homes and Gardens Salad Book, 1958

Skillet Potato Salad with Bologna Ring, 1967

Warning: The following image is rated R for graphic sausage imagery. 

From: Better Homes and Gardens Jiffy Cooking, 1967