Thanksgiving Recipes from The 1950s

Dollar Tree Dinners

Video Stats

Host: Dollar Tree Dinners
Published: Aug 5, 2025
Views: 60.9k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 60 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 6

Overview

This Thanksgiving, I decided to dive into some vintage recipes from the 1950s, and the results were delightful. The cranberry mince pie was a standout, with its sweet and tart filling that perfectly complemented the flaky pie crust. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together, making it a perfect dessert for the holiday table.

The orange glazed sweet potatoes were another highlight. They were rich and sweet, almost like a dessert in their own right. The addition of orange zest and juice added a refreshing citrus note that balanced the natural sweetness of the potatoes. I can see why this dish has remained a favorite for holiday meals.

Lastly, the apple pineapple slaw was a fun twist on a classic. While the combination of mayonnaise and sweet fruits might sound unusual, it actually worked surprisingly well. The crunch of the cabbage paired with the sweetness of the pineapple and apples created a refreshing side dish that was a hit at the table. Overall, these vintage recipes not only brought nostalgia but also a unique flavor profile that made for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
25:02

Add butter, orange zest, corn syrup, and brown sugar to the sweet potatoes.

2
26:57

Combine cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, water, and salt in a pot.

3
28:55

Add pineapple juice and jellied cranberry sauce to the pot.

4
30:04

Plate the apple pineapple slaw, orange glazed sweet potatoes, and cranberry pie.

25:57

Tip: Baste sweet potatoes frequently for even glazing.

28:05

Tip: Check the international aisle for affordable spices.

31:05

Tip: Serve hot cranberry punch with a pat of butter for added richness.

5
08:21

Combine flour, salt, and shortening in a bowl.

6
10:02

Blend the mixture until it resembles small peas.

10:21

Tip: Use a fork to blend shortening into flour for a flaky pie crust.

7
11:53

Gather dough into a ball and flatten it.

12:30

Tip: Refrigerate pie crust dough for at least 30 minutes for better texture.

8
12:59

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.

9
15:00

Roll out the second half of the dough for the top crust.

10
18:07

In a bowl, combine sugar, salt, spices, raisins, walnuts, zest, lemon juice, chopped apple, and cranberry sauce.

19:23

Tip: Roll pie crust from center to edge for even thickness.

11
21:10

Pour the filling into the pastry-lined pie plate.

12
21:38

Create a lattice top with the second pie crust.

13
21:59

Bake the pie at 400°F for 35 minutes.

14
22:09

Combine shredded cabbage, pineapple, diced apple, marshmallows, celery, and mayonnaise in a bowl.

23:41

Tip: Let slaw chill in the fridge for better flavor integration.

15
23:51

Peel and halve sweet potatoes, then place them in a skillet.

24:01

Tip: Use a smaller number of sweet potatoes if unsure about fitting them in the skillet.

16
24:39

Add water and salt, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Serves: 6
Pineapple1 cup
Cabbage3 cups
Walnut1/3 cup
Orange1
Butter3 tbsp
Sugar1.5 cups
Salt1 tsp
Cloves1/4 tsp
Cinnamon1 tsp
Ginger1/2 tsp
Lemon Juice1/3 cup
Corn Syrup3/4 cup
Marshmallow1 cup
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Nuts

    → Substitution: Sunflower Seeds

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
5
per serving
Carbs
60
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Cranberry mince pie is a traditional dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors.
  • Orange glazed sweet potatoes are a classic side dish that adds a festive touch to any meal.
  • Apple pineapple slaw is a unique twist on traditional coleslaw, incorporating sweet fruits.
  • The 1950s marked a shift towards more extravagant holiday meals in American households.