Who could have imagined that certain foods possess the extraordinary power to transport us back in time? When this question was presented to me, I couldn’t help but delve into the depths of my memories, and vivid moments from the past came rushing back. I reminisced about my grandmother’s cozy kitchen and the comforting aroma of her home-cooked meals, the bustling atmosphere of the county fair’s midway, the joyful gatherings at family reunions in picturesque, wooded parks, the simple bliss of lazy Saturday mornings spent in pajamas, indulging in cartoons on the couch, the joyous celebrations of birthdays, and so much more. These are the foods that weave a spell, effortlessly whisking me away to cherished moments of the past.

QUAKER MAPLE BROWN SUGAR INSTANT OATMEAL

I’m not talking about the current version found in stores. I mean the 70’s version that came in small packets with zoo animals on the outside and included educational panels about tigers, giraffes, bears, and more. It combined breakfast and learning, probably with enough sugar to cause a diabetic coma.

CHIQUITA BANANAS

Even today, as the bananas on the wooden stand by our microwave have ripened more than I prefer, my mind instantly goes to my grandma’s kitchen counter in the country, vividly recalling the black and white linoleum-like countertops with bright silver metal trim, as well as the sickeningly sweet smell of overripe bananas.

CORN ON THE COB & WATERMELON

These days, sweet corn stands are everywhere, but when I was a kid, farmers working with my Dad would bring in garbage bags full of sweet corn to the livestock sale barn where he worked. I remember the kitchen filled with the smell of raw corn as we cut it off the cob for Mom to can. We had plenty of it to eat throughout the summer, and to this day, when I crunch into an ear of corn, it takes me back to my childhood kitchen.

FUNNEL CAKES & COTTON CANDY

Living in the home of our state fair, I tend to reminisce about how the fair was when I was a kid. There was no butter cow and expensive ticket prices. The classic county fair in those days featured mostly country singers performing, a demolition derby, lots of ribbons to be won, and of course, the rodeo (many of the animals were housed at my dad’s livestock barn down the road).

But what I remember most about the fair is tied more to the midway. Carnival barkers egging you on to try your luck and win your girlfriend a teddy bear, the melted, stretched and distorted form of 7-up bottles with colorful liquid inside, live goldfish if you popped the right balloon, and of course – the food. Corn dogs, popcorn and cotton candy mostly bring me back to that county fair, but even funnel cakes (which I don’t believe existed back then) make me think of those late summer events just before school kicked into high gear in the fall.

POP ROCKS

When it comes to nostalgic treats from childhood, one particular item stands out: Pop Rocks. Those fizzy, popping candy rocks were an absolute draw for kids, offering a unique and surprising sensation with each bite. The mere mention of Pop Rocks immediately conjures up memories of carefree days spent enjoying these colorful candies with friends. The distinct crackling and popping inside your mouth brought sheer joy and excitement, making it a truly unforgettable part of childhood.

GRILLED CHEESE WITH TOMATO SOUP

When it comes to childhood comfort foods, few combinations are as beloved as grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. The warm, gooey goodness of melted cheese between buttery bread, paired with the savory tang of tomato soup, evokes a sense of nostalgia and coziness for many. This classic duo has the power to transport us back to simpler times, whether mom prepared it on a rainy day or it was a favorite after-school treat. Whether enjoyed with a book, a movie, or simply on its own, grilled cheese and tomato soup hold a special place in the hearts of many, representing a taste of innocence and comfort from the past.

NESTLE TOLLHOUSE COOKIES

There’s something truly magical about Nestle Tollhouse cookies when it comes to triggering childhood memories. The warm, buttery aroma as they bake in the oven, the gooey, melted chocolate chips, and the comforting taste of home all combine to create a nostalgic experience. Whether it’s the joy of baking them with a parent, eagerly awaiting their appearance on the cooling rack, or indulging in them as an after-school snack, Nestle Tollhouse cookies were a quintessential symbol of childhood.

SCHWANN’S ICE CREAM

When it comes to igniting nostalgia and summoning childhood memories, Schwann’s ice cream effortlessly transports me back to my grandma’s house. That iconic, yellow-colored compartmentalized truck held not just ice cream and frozen treats, but also little coloring books that the Schwann’s guy would deliver with the orders. I can vividly remember sitting at the dining room table with my friends or siblings, joyfully coloring as I savored what felt like the most heavenly ice cream in the world! Schwann’s ice cream is deeply intertwined with memories of carefree moments from the past. The decadent and velvety texture, the irresistible array of flavors, and the shared delight with beloved family and friends all contribute to the evocative power of Schwann’s ice cream, serving as a delectable link to cherished childhood experiences.

KRAFT MACARONI & CHEESE

In the 1970s, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese was really popular with kids. The blue box with orange letters was a quick and tasty meal that kids loved. Making and eating it made kids feel independent. The creamy, cheesy pasta was so tempting, and the sound of the macaroni hitting the boiling water was exciting. The smell of the cheese sauce cooking made kids eagerly wait to eat it.

Kraft Mac & Cheese was a comforting constant in the busy world of childhood. It was a reliable source of joy, giving a break from all the energy and imagination of being a kid.

From the 70’s to now, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been a special part of many childhood memories, reminding us of the simple things that bring us joy. Just be sure you get the milk and butter ratio just right and skip the microwaveable version…go for the basic box every time!

PANCAKES, BUTTER & SYRUP

Pancakes evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. The fluffy, buttery goodness of pancakes topped with syrup (in my day Bisquick and Aunt Jemima) brings back cherished moments of lazy weekend mornings and special family breakfasts. Whether it was a stack of homemade pancakes enjoyed with loved ones or the anticipation of a pancake breakfast at a favorite diner, the simple delight of this classic treat transports me right back to carefree times and joyous experiences. The aroma of pancakes sizzling on the griddle, the anticipation of adding toppings, and the shared laughter around the breakfast table all contribute to the nostalgic power of pancakes.

KELLOGG’S FROSTED FLAKES

Ah, Frosted Flakes, the iconic breakfast cereal that has been a staple for many during their childhood. The mere mention of Frosted Flakes can instantly conjure up nostalgic memories of morning routines, colorful cereal boxes, and the joy of digging into a bowl of crispy, sugar-coated flakes. Whether it was racing to the breakfast table to enjoy a bowl before school or leisurely savoring each bite on a lazy weekend morning, that distinctive crunch, the sweet burst of flavor, and the friendly face of Tony the Tiger all contribute to the enduring appeal and nostalgic power of this beloved cereal.

GOOBER PEANUT BUTTER

When it comes to nostalgic childhood foods, Goober Peanut Butter is a hard one to top. This unique blend of peanut butter and jelly swirled together in one jar was not just a delicious snack, but a magnet to the under 10-year-old set. For many, the sight of that colorful jar and the act of spreading its contents on bread was seriously enticing (although as an adult it kind of looks gross). Whether it was packing a Goober Peanut Butter sandwich for school lunch or enjoying it as an after-school snack, the familiar taste and vibrant colors of this awesome combination effortlessly transports me back to the happiness of childhood.

S’MORES

When it comes to iconic childhood treats, few bring the feeling of nostalgia as powerfully as s’mores. The simple yet delightful combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crisp graham crackers takes me back to times spent around campfires or at family gatherings. Whether it’s the excitement of roasting marshmallows to perfection, the satisfying crunch of assembling the components, or the sticky sweetness that lingers on the fingertips, s’mores are not just a delectable treat, but a portal to cherished memories and the joy of childhood.

ORANGE CRUSH

Orange Crush! The tangy, citrusy flavor of this iconic soda is deeply intertwined with past, while still being an occasional part of my present. Whether it was sipping on a cold bottle during summer picnics (I can hear the sound of the bottle being pulled from the pop machine right now in my head), enjoying it with friends at birthday parties, or relishing its fizzy goodness on family road trips, Orange Crush evokes a sense of nostalgia and transports us back to the innocent pleasures of childhood. The distinct pop of the cap, the effervescent bubbles, and the refreshing taste all contribute to the enduring appeal and nostalgic power of this beloved soda.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Do you have a specific food that instantly whisks you away to the days of your childhood? Whether it’s the sugary rush of Pop Rocks, the comforting aroma of grilled cheese with tomato soup, or the familiar taste of pancakes and syrup, certain foods have an extraordinary power to spark vivid memories and nostalgic feelings. We invite you to share your own stories and experiences with these cherished childhood treats. Let’s take a delicious trip down memory lane and celebrate the enduring magic of these culinary time machines. It’s time to savor the flavors of the past and weave a tapestry of shared memories through the simple joy of food.