Magic herb, circa 1953

Yeah, it's oregano. What a difference a decade makes, huh?

I love that oregano is so exotic they have to run a PR campaign for it.

Another clue to how strong the status quo was in the 50's: the other exotic spice in this ad is vanilla.

I can name that pie in two bites or less

Another recipe I have tested.

Yes, they call it "Brownie Pie" (notice they have one of those weird alien-brownie guys above the ice cream?).

But it's actually a chocolate pecan pie.

It's a good one, too; it's just not new. Not even in 1953. Shame on you, Betty Crocker!

Noted without comment

A farewell to yarmulkes

OK, forgive the stupid title of this post, but can anyone come up with a better explanation for the association of ham with Easter?

Witness: It's April, 1953, and what's on the menu for Easter dinner?

Ham with mustard? Or ham with molasses? Or perhaps ham with corn syrup? Ham baked in foil? Ham with pineapple? Ham garnished with cherries and stabbed with almonds?

Or, my favorite: Ham with jellybeans!

I thought I was having better luck with photo alignment, but alas I see the suckers are all in one column. Blogger, would you PLEASE get it together?. I NEED to post the "Find the Ham" refrigerator ad contest.

As always, click on the images for larger versions.

Adding, well, that's a little better.