The Culinary Wonders of the 1970s: British Food at Its Finest

A reflection on 70's food to accompany the Multiverse of St Mary's jump

Please note: The AI-generated voiceover is for accessibility and is not the voice of Hazel Cushion.

Ah, the 1970s in Britain—a time of flared trousers, disco fever, and culinary choices that could make or break your dinner party reputation. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to dine in an era where sophistication meant gelatin moulds and the height of exotic cuisine was a prawn cocktail, you're in for a treat. Let’s dive into the delightfully peculiar world of 1970s British food.

Starters: The Prawn Cocktail Extravaganza

Imagine it’s 1974. You’re at a dinner party hosted by your neighbours, who are eager to show off their newfound culinary skills. The evening kicks off with the pièce de résistance: the prawn cocktail.

Served in a dainty glass, this masterpiece features a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce (a vegetable so crisp it could probably double as packing material) topped with succulent prawns. These are generously smothered in a tangy Marie Rose sauce—a concoction of mayonnaise and ketchup, with a hint of Worcestershire sauce if the host is feeling particularly adventurous. Garnished with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of paprika, the prawn cocktail was the epitome of 70s sophistication. As you take a bite, you can almost hear the dulcet tones of ABBA playing in the background.

Main Courses: From Faggots to Fondue

After the prawn cocktail, the main course arrives, offering a glimpse into the eclectic and, occasionally, questionable tastes of the decade. You might be served a classic like steak and kidney pie, its crust as robust as a British bulldog, or perhaps faggots and peas, a dish whose name alone is enough to make modern diners raise an eyebrow.

But let’s not forget the fondue. Imported from Switzerland, this communal pot of melted cheese became a 70s sensation. Guests gleefully dipped chunks of bread into the bubbling cauldron, secretly wondering if the cheese could also double as wallpaper paste in a pinch.

Eating out became very popular, and those dining at a Berni Inn would undoubtedly opt for a steak - this was the Everest of sophistication.

Desserts: Black Forest Gateaux and Beyond

No 1970s meal was complete without a dessert that screamed “I found this recipe in a glossy magazine.” Enter the Black Forest gateaux—a multi-layered chocolate cake filled with cherries and whipped cream, and drenched in kirsch, a cherry brandy that could probably fuel your car in an emergency. Topped with chocolate shavings and more cherries, this dessert was a towering triumph of excess, designed to impress guests and induce a sugar coma in one fell swoop.

If the host was particularly daring, you might also encounter a trifle, a layered dessert featuring sponge cake, jelly, custard, and whipped cream. The jelly was often brightly coloured, making it look more like a science experiment than something you’d want to eat. Yet, it was strangely compelling—much like the era’s fashion choices.

Snacks and Side Dishes: The Quirky and the Quasi-Edible

The 1970s weren’t just about main courses and desserts; the snacks and side dishes were equally noteworthy. Think vol-au-vents—puff pastry cases filled with creamy mushrooms or chicken, the canapé equivalent of a little black dress. And who could forget cheese and pineapple on sticks, an odd pairing that somehow became a party staple? Skewered on cocktail sticks and arranged in an orange it was the ultimate DIY hors d'oeuvre.

Conclusion: A Taste of Nostalgia

Reflecting on British food in the 1970s is like opening a time capsule filled with culinary curiosities and a fair share of “What were we thinking?” moments. Yet, there’s an undeniable charm to this era of food experimentation and unabashed indulgence.

So, the next time you feel like throwing a retro dinner party, dust off that fondue set, whip up a prawn cocktail, and don’t forget the Black Forest gateaux. Just remember to warn your guests, though, as some dishes taste better with a healthy dose of nostalgia

What do you remember about food in the 1970’s? Please leave a comment.