10+ Old Recipes to Cherish and Relish Again

Old recipes hold a special charm that connects us to the past. Many of these dishes have been passed down through generations and offer a taste of history with comforting flavors.

You can experience traditional cooking methods and flavors that might be missing from modern cuisine. These recipes often use simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making them accessible for everyone.

Whether you want to recreate a family favorite or try something new from the past, these recipes can inspire your kitchen adventures. Try reviving these classics and enjoy the stories they bring to your table.

1) Classic Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

Classic meatloaf is a comforting dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. This version features a delicious tomato glaze that adds flavor and moisture.

Mix ground beef with onion, oats, and seasonings. Shape it into a loaf for easy cooking and serving.

Spread the tomato glaze on top for a sweet and tangy finish. Serve it with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup oats
• 1 egg
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped onion, oats, egg, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mix into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Combine ketchup and brown sugar, then spread it on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

2) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are packed with flavor. They use cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice.

Boil the cabbage leaves until soft. Prepare a filling with ground beef, rice, and seasonings.

Place the filling in the cabbage leaves and roll them up tightly. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake.

Ingredients

• 8 cabbage leaves
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil cabbage leaves until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the meat mixture in each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
5. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.
6. Bake for 1 hour.

3) Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. This dish is perfect for chilly days.

Use chicken breasts and thighs for more flavor. Make the dumplings from scratch and cook them in the broth.

Your kitchen will fill with warm, inviting scents as it cooks. This meal brings a sense of home.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 chicken thighs
• ½ stick of butter
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth.
6. Cook until dumplings are fluffy and chicken is cooked through.

4) Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic dish perfect for parties or snacks. Making them is simple and fun.

Start with hard-boiled eggs. Cut them in half and scoop out the yolks.

Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Spoon or pipe this mixture back into the egg whites.

Add relish or hot sauce for extra flavor. Each bite is creamy and tangy.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the eggs in water for 10-12 minutes.
2. Let the eggs cool and peel them.
3. Cut eggs in half and remove yolks.
4. Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then fill the egg whites.
6. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

5) Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs are a tasty and colorful treat. They are easy to make and a great way to preserve leftover hard-boiled eggs.

Enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads. You need hard-boiled eggs, vinegar, water, salt, and spices.

Add beets for a vibrant color if you like.

Ingredients

• 12 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 4 cups white vinegar
• 1½ cups water
• 1½ teaspoons coarse sea salt
• 1 tablespoon pickling spice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine vinegar, water, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture until the salt dissolves.
3. Pour the mixture over the eggs in a jar.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

6) Macaroni and Tomatoes

Macaroni and tomatoes is a simple and comforting dish. It combines tender macaroni with juicy tomatoes for a quick meal.

Use elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes, and a bit of butter or salt. Add a sprinkle of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ acidity if you like.

Cook the macaroni in boiling water until tender. Drain the pasta, then mix in the tomatoes and butter.

Heat it all together for a warm, delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, optional

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot, add salt, and cook the elbow macaroni until tender.
2. Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and butter to the macaroni.
4. Stir well and heat until warmed through.

7) Peanut Butter and Dill Pickle Sandwiches

The peanut butter and dill pickle sandwich is a unique combination. The mix of creamy peanut butter and tangy pickles works surprisingly well.

Spread peanut butter on your bread. Add sliced dill pickles for a crunchy texture.

Use a kaiser roll or a tortilla for variety. Try chunky or smooth peanut butter based on your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 kaiser roll or tortilla
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 dill pickles, sliced lengthwise

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay the kaiser roll or tortilla flat.
2. Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly.
3. Place sliced dill pickles on top.
4. Close the sandwich or roll it up.

8) Sugar Cookies from 1877

Try these classic sugar cookies from 1877 for a taste of history. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a timeless treat.

Gather sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Mix the ingredients for a sweet and buttery cookie.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.
3. Add the eggs and sour cream, mixing well.
4. Stir in the baking soda and flour until combined.
5. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

9) Blackberry Cordial

Blackberry cordial is a fruity drink that’s been enjoyed for generations. You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Gather fresh blackberries, sugar, and water. Add spices like cinnamon or cloves for extra flavor if you like.

Simmer the mixture on the stove until the blackberries break down. Strain the liquid into a bottle and let it cool.

Let the cordial age for a bit to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups blackberries, washed well
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• Optional: 2 sticks cinnamon, 4 cloves, 4-5 black peppercorns

Cooking Instructions

1. Place blackberries and water in a saucepan.
2. Add sugar and optional spices.
3. Heat over low-medium until simmering.
4. Mash blackberries slightly and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture into a clean bottle and let cool.
6. Store in the refrigerator.

10) Clove Cake

Clove cake is an old recipe known for its warm, spicy flavor. Many households enjoyed this cake for its rich history.

Ground cloves give the cake a distinct aroma and unique taste. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cake.

It is easy to bake at home. You can share it with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup raisins, chopped
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

3. Add eggs and mix until smooth.

4. Stir in the chopped raisins and milk.

5. Combine the flour, ground cloves, and baking soda. Mix well.

6. Pour the batter into a greased pan.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Check if a toothpick comes out clean.