Looking for desserts found in diners in the 50s

ShawtyCat · #1 03-22-2002, 11:18 PM

Hello,

Yes, I already have the book Diner Desserts. But other than that book I cannot find any other desserts that people ate at diners in their childhood and would like to see again. Ive already started quizzing our older guests and thought Id post here too. So far Ive gotten "Sundae" by a variety of people.

Thanks in advance.

Athenaeus · #2 03-23-2002, 02:21 AM

Shawty cat.

if you have some patience I can help you with that. For the moment I have to send an article to Nicko and to organse a non-party ... LOL Pretty busy for the week-end

I will check Cornell's database. I find Cornell's system complicated so, if any other member knows how to use this sophisticated data base quickly and effectively...be my guests and if it requires password, send me a PM I will pass you mine

ShawtyCat · #3 03-23-2002, 03:04 AM

Thanks Athenaeus

,

I have lots of patience. Thanks for searching for me. Cant wait to hear the results of the search.

Svadhisthana · #4 03-23-2002, 07:47 AM

Wayne Harley Brachman!!!!!!!!
Cakes and Cowpokes and
Retro Desserts

Look for them at your local library. He's the bestest.

Kimmie · #5 03-23-2002, 08:51 AM

Retro Desserts is really the very best!

shroomgirl · #6 03-23-2002, 10:19 AM

PIE PIE PIE!!!!!!! Cakes too....Brownies ala mode, probably some jello shtuff, cobblers....pie pie pie

marmalady · #7 03-23-2002, 10:30 AM

Shawty - Take a look at Junior's cookbook (Junior's of Brooklyn); he's got some awesome stuff in the book, and they've been around forever.

Also, not exactly desserts, but killer muffins, danish pastries, etc.

Shroom - 'jello shtuff'?? LOL - reminds me of my hubbie's family reunions in NC!!

#8 03-23-2002, 03:17 PM

Boston cream pie!

Kimmie · #9 03-23-2002, 04:21 PM

I was just a girl then but I do remember Cherries Jubilee, Strawberries Romanoff and Peach Melba. And what about those Black & Whites that were sold at bakeries and delis all over the New York area.

And Fruit-Cocktail Gelatin was another expression meaning Jello for grown-ups!

ShawtyCat · #10 03-23-2002, 08:04 PM

Ill definately go look up those books at B&N. Ill give you a list of what we offer now:

Banana Splits
Boston Cream Pie
Fruit Pies
Chocolate & Banana Cream Pie
Jello
Rice & Bread Pudding
Black & White cookies
Oatmeal, Walnut, Chocolate Chip Cookies (thats one cookie)
Peanut Butter Cookies
Danishes
Banana Caramel Pudding
Chocolate Pudding
Brownies a la mode
Sundaes
Italian Icebox Cake (I personally make this since no one else knows how)

Egg Creme
Floats

The fruit pies, danishes, cookies, puddings, sundaes and brownies are a staple and I usually rotate in other things. I wasn't sure if we were selling most of the authentic diner desserts people love.

I guess I should stop worrying. Ive started taking requests from customers.

Sometimes I think we have too many desserts! But most people like to order burgers, fries and dessert or coffee and dessert. The truckers order a complete meal and dessert. So we cannot get rid of any of them since everyone always orders something.

Thanks for the replies and the heads up on the books. Im off to B&N.

nancya · #11 03-23-2002, 11:29 PM

LOL marmalady...I was going to recommend Junior's cookbook...but I see you beat me to it!

Best cheesecake in the world...and love the other recipes too!

Nancy

marmalady · #12 03-24-2002, 06:55 AM

Shawty -
Coconut cream pie
A mile high coconut cake
Devil's food cake - or a 'Brooklyn Blackout cake
Mile-high lemon meringue pie
Strawberry pie
Carrot cake

shroomgirl · #13 03-24-2002, 08:33 AM

What's kinda interesting are the diners that become known for one specialty, they may or maynot have other selections but they are reknown for one thing....Junior's cheesecake, Natichodaes(?) meat pie place has gingerbread with custard and topping, THERE are more but I'm running out of time....

ShawtyCat · #14 03-24-2002, 09:40 AM

I guess we are now known for my brownies and "oatmeal, walnut & chocolate chip cookies". I have people coming from MO just to get them. I bake em fresh. No box here. CIA recipe for Fudge Brownies.

CompassRose · #15 03-26-2002, 02:03 PM

Richard Sax's book Classic Home Desserts would also be a great reference, Shawtycat -- plus, it's a fabulous read. Some of the desserts he mentions are famous recipes from noted diners or restaurants; all of them are good, neat, yummy examples of traditional down-home cookin', of many nationalities.