Who knew nostalgic treats could be so trendy? This week a panel of food experts at the 35th Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco chose nostalgic foods as one of the top five food trends of 2010. All types of treats - from Baked Alaska to fondue to tang "drunk by astronauts" (as it was advertised) - transport us to the past and inspire sweet, rosy memories. Every time I come across a cream cheese Jello mold, I instantly flash back to visiting my grandparents in Bedford, Indiana as a child. Long before I learned about sushi and premium coffee, my favorites included Orange Crush soda, Jolly Rancher sticks (not the pieces), Now & Later's and Nerds candy.
My most adored delight in the 1980s had to have been Bonkers, a Starburst-like candy made by Nabisco. Bonkers commercials, the popularity of which often eclipsed the candy itself, would feature a random uptight character of sorts. This character would bite into a Bonkers candy only to then have a giant piece of fruit (such as a tree-sized strawberry) fall from the sky, knocking them into hysterical laughter. A voice would then declare: "Bonkers. It Bonks You Out!" Not only was the candy delicious and the commericals hilarious, but Nabisco managed to make "bonks" into a verb with their ad campaigns claiming that "Bonkers! Fruit Candy bonks you out of this world!" Pure genius! Unfortunately, despite the charming commericals and clever ad campaigns, Bonkers was eventually discontinued which absolutely bonks me out.
What treats take you back? With luck, you'll see your favorites back on store shelves this year. ♥Maggie
