When I was a kid, the culinary concerns of parents were pretty simple. Except for that one family down the street whose home reeked of vitamins and PBS programming. My own mom deemed them “health nuts” and confidently served me four Vienna Fingers and a tall glass of peach Hi-C from the giant metal can for lunch—just like every other parent in the neighborhood.
Fast forward to today, when our food landscape is dominated by gluten-free, fair trade, and biodynamic options (whatever that means). I often find myself nostalgically reminiscing about a time when Roman Meal bread and Chewy granola bars were considered health foods. Before kale became the reigning green and kombucha took over our lives, I indulged in some truly questionable yet utterly delightful treats. Here are 10 of the ultimate comfort foods that take me back to my carefree childhood:
1. French Bread Pizza
When Mom grabbed that bright red box from the freezer, it was a cause for celebration in our house. While all the varieties were good, the pepperoni and sausage flavor was the undisputed champion. My sister and I would elevate our French bread pizzas with extra mozzarella, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and that iconic “shaky cheese”—the parmesan in the green can that also adorned our Chef Boyardee beef ravioli.
2. Ring Dings
These foil-wrapped, chocolatey, cream-filled delights were a daily lunchbox staple. Now, I can’t imagine eating even half of one without facing some serious consequences, but as a kid, I’d burn off those calories during recess without a care in the world.
3. Ramen Noodles
After a brief but intense ramen phase in my early adulthood, I swore off these sodium-packed noodles. However, one nostalgic craving led me back, and wow, they’re even tastier than I remembered. Just toss in some frozen peas to give yourself a false sense of healthiness and enjoy the salty goodness.
4. Processed American Cheese Food Product
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the simpler days when cheese could be stored at room temperature. Cheez Whiz, Velveeta, and Kraft singles were staples of our grilled cheese sandwiches and nachos. Sure, I enjoy fancy cheeses now, but sometimes nothing beats a cheese smiley on a Ritz cracker.
5. Magic Shell
How could I have forgotten this magical concoction? Pour it over ice cream, and it transforms into a crunchy shell. Did you know it still exists in various flavors? Back in the ‘80s, we had no clue that coconut oil was a “superfood,” which means Magic Shell is practically health food!
6. Chicken Pot Pie
Spare me the gourmet versions—chicken pot pie should come frozen in a small metal dish. It needs bright yellow gravy and uniform cubes of mystery meat. The crust is the star of the show, both top and bottom.
7. Carnation Instant Breakfast
I’m talking strictly about the chocolate malt flavor—forget the vanilla and strawberry options! This was the pinnacle of morning beverages, rivaled only by Nestle Quik. And pro tip: sprinkle some Strawberry Quik on vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
8. Swanson Turkey Dinner
With these meals, you could have Thanksgiving any day of the year. I loved the turkey dinner best, but the fried chicken option was no slouch either. The dessert? A mysterious apple cranberry crumble that tasted like it was made by angels.
9. Hostess Fruit Pies
These were a rare treat, reserved for field trips only. I favored the cherry flavor, but honestly, any option was a win. And let’s not forget the original deep-fried apple pies from McDonald’s, with their gooey filling and crispy crust.
10. Frozen Burritos
Cooking these required precision; a wet paper towel was essential to avoid dry ends. But biting into the taco-flavored center was worth the risk. Topped with salsa con queso, they were a satisfying meal.
While our eating habits have evolved significantly over the last few decades—mostly for the better—sometimes it’s fun to indulge in a nostalgic treat. My daughter may never experience the joy of chocolate cake in her lunchbox, but I can definitely surprise her with a chicken pot pie or a nostalgic French bread pizza night. And yes, I have a bottle of Magic Shell in the cabinet for special occasions!
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In summary, the comfort foods of my youth evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy that transcends the years. While modern diets are healthier, it’s nice to reminisce about those simple, indulgent treats that shaped our childhoods.