Chloe Adams
Candle salad is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. The salad typically consists of lettuce, pineapple, banana, cherry, and either mayonnaise or cottage cheese, with whipped cream sometimes being used. The salad gets its name from its appearance, as it is assembled to resemble a lit candle. The recipe for candle salad was published in the 1950 edition of A Child's First Cook Book by Alma S. Lach and was considered a child-friendly introduction to cooking due to its simple construction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lettuce, pineapple, banana, cherry, mayonnaise, whipped cream, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, raspberries, pistachios, strawberry yogurt, alfalfa sprouts |
| Preparation | Arrange lettuce leaves on a plate or napkin, stack pineapple rings on top, place a banana vertically in the rings, add toppings and a cherry on top |
| Popularity | Popular in America from the 1920s to the 1960s, considered a holiday dish, especially for Christmas, also appeared in children's cookbooks |
| Purpose | Encourage children to eat fruit, introduce children to cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Candle Salad's history
Candle salad, also known as Candlestick, Candlette, or Night Cap, is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. The earliest print reference of candle salad is dated 1916, where it was mentioned in a socialite menu alongside items like "Fruit Cocktail", "Chicken a la King", and "Cheese Straws". However, no description or recipe was included in this early mention.
The salad typically consists of lettuce, pineapple, banana, cherry, and either mayonnaise or cottage cheese, although some recipes call for whipped cream. The ingredients are assembled to resemble a lit candle. The salad is constructed by arranging lettuce leaves on a plate or decorative napkin, then stacking pineapple rings on top. A peeled banana is inserted into the centre of the pineapple rings, sometimes with cream and a cherry on top. Mayonnaise or whipped cream is often dribbled over the banana to represent melted wax, with a cherry placed on the tip to represent the flame.
The exact origin of candle salad is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented in the 1920s, a time when bananas were widely available, pineapples were gaining popularity, and creative fruit salads were in vogue. Its festive appearance and easy preparation made it a popular dish for holidays like Christmas and Halloween, as well as children's birthday parties. It was also considered a child-friendly introduction to cooking due to its simple construction. The recipe has been featured in several cookbooks for children, including the 1950 edition of "A Child's First Cook Book" by Alma S. Lach and the 1957 edition of "Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls".
Despite its unusual appearance, candle salad has endured as a nostalgic and whimsical dish, with various adaptations and appearances in popular culture over the years.
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Ingredients and preparation
Candle salad is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. It was considered a child-friendly introduction to cooking because of its simple construction and unusual appearance.
The ingredients you will need for a candle salad are:
- Lettuce leaves
- Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- Banana (firm and ripe)
- Maraschino cherry
- Mayonnaise, whipped cream, cream cheese, or cottage cheese
To prepare the candle salad, follow these steps:
- Arrange a few lettuce leaves on a plate or decorative napkin to form the base of the salad.
- Place one or more pineapple rings in the middle of the bed of lettuce.
- Cut a banana in half and insert it into the middle of the pineapple ring, creating a "candle" shape.
- If the banana half is unstable, add a small amount of whipped cream or cream cheese to the cut side to secure it in place.
- Garnish the banana with your choice of cream, mayonnaise, or cottage cheese, and top it with a cherry.
For a festive touch, you can even drizzle strawberry yoghurt over the banana to resemble dripping candle wax.
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Variations
There are several variations of the candle salad that you can make. Here are some ideas:
Classic Candle Salad
This is the traditional way of making a candle salad, which was popular in America from the 1920s to the 1960s. To make this variation, you will need lettuce, pineapple rings, a banana, whipped cream or cream cheese, and a maraschino cherry. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a plate or decorative napkin to form the base of the salad. Place one or more pineapple rings on top of the lettuce, providing a niche for inserting a whole or half peeled banana. You can use a little whipped cream or cream cheese to help the banana stay put. Garnish the banana with a cherry on top, and you've got yourself a classic candle salad!
Pineapple Candle Salad
If you're a pineapple lover, this variation is for you! To make this salad, you will need pineapple rings, mandarin oranges, lettuce, raspberries, and pistachios. Start by making three stacks of nine pineapple rings, placed in a row down the center of a platter. Create the "flames" by placing a toothpick through three mandarin oranges and positioning them on top of the pineapple stacks. Add some lettuce, reserved pineapple wedges, mandarin oranges, raspberries, and pistachios to the platter. Serve this colourful and fruity salad with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.
Cheese and Mayo Variation
For those who like a tangy twist, this variation includes cheese and mayonnaise. You will need pineapple rings, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Simply place two pineapple rings on a plate, add a dollop of mayonnaise to each ring, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. This variation might not be for everyone, but it's definitely a quirky and unique dish!
Yogurt-Covered Variation
Instead of using mayonnaise or whipped cream to represent melted wax, you can use yogurt. Drizzle yogurt over the banana on top of and down one side to create a dripping candle wax effect. This variation was featured in the Mormon children's magazine, *The Friend*, in 2008, and it adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
Holiday Candle Salad
This variation is perfect for the holidays, especially Christmas. It's a festive take on the classic candle salad. In addition to the standard ingredients, feel free to add some holiday-themed garnishes, such as crushed candy canes, pomegranate arils, or even some edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
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Nutritional value
Candle salad is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. It is composed of lettuce, pineapple, banana, cherry, and either mayonnaise, whipped cream, or, according to some recipes, cottage cheese. The ingredients are assembled to resemble a lit candle.
The nutritional value of candle salad will depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but as a fruit salad, it will generally provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Lettuce, for example, is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains small amounts of other nutrients like vitamin A, C, and some B vitamins. Pineapple, on the other hand, is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant important for immune function and collagen synthesis. It also contains some vitamin B-6, folate, and minerals like manganese and potassium.
Bananas are well known for their high potassium content, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting nerve and muscle function. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fibre. Cherries are a source of antioxidants and contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fibre.
The final ingredients of mayonnaise, whipped cream, or cottage cheese contribute calories and fat to the salad. Mayonnaise is made from vegetable oil, egg yolks, and vinegar, and is high in fat and calories, but low in other nutrients. Whipped cream also adds fat and calories, with minimal other nutrients. Cottage cheese, however, is a good source of protein and calcium.
Overall, the candle salad can be a fun and nutritious dish, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and fibre from the fruit ingredients, and additional protein and calcium if made with cottage cheese. It can be adapted to suit various dietary restrictions and nutritional needs by modifying the toppings and ingredients used.
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Occasions to serve it
Candle salad is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Its festive appearance, easy preparation, and affordability made it a natural fit for various occasions, including:
Holiday Meals
The candle salad's bright, cheerful appearance and resemblance to a lit candle made it a popular dish for holiday meals. It added a festive touch to Christmas and Halloween dinners, as well as other holiday celebrations.
Children's Birthday Parties
Candle salad was also a hit at children's birthday parties. Its unusual appearance made it a fun and interesting way to get kids excited about eating fruit. The simple construction of the salad also made it a child-friendly introduction to cooking.
Themed Parties and Potlucks
Today, candle salad is occasionally prepared for themed parties or potlucks. Its unique appearance and retro appeal can spark conversations and add a whimsical touch to gatherings.
Family Meals
Candle salad was a staple in many households during the 1920s and 1930s, a time when families were facing tough economic times due to the Great Depression. The use of affordable ingredients and the creative presentation of this salad symbolized hope and optimism during those difficult years.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle salad is a vintage fruit salad that was popular in America from the 1920s through to the 1960s. It is composed of lettuce, pineapple, banana, cherry, and either mayonnaise or, according to some recipes, cottage cheese. Whipped cream may also be used.
To make a candle salad, first arrange a few leaves of lettuce on a plate or decorative napkin to form the salad's base. Stack one or more pineapple rings on top of the lettuce, providing a niche for inserting one whole (or more often half) peeled banana. For garnish, the banana can be topped with cream and a cherry.
Due to its "festive" appearance and easy preparation, candle salad is a natural fit for holidays like Christmas and Halloween, as well as children's birthday parties. It is also a good way to get children to eat fruit.
