by Theo Chester

Created on: April 18, 2009   Last Updated: April 20, 2009

They're back! Maybe you remember them, or you could be enjoying them for the first time. Either way, foods from the past are proving that they have a future. Yes, it's true, foods from the past are making a strong comeback in restaurants and homes everywhere.

One of the reasons for the return of foods from the past, is because they are comfort foods. With all of the stress of day to day living, economic pressure and more, folks are taking a trip down memory line with some nostalgic recipes. Many times these dishes remind us of the "good old" days. They're chock full of good memories and usually inexpensive to make.

For many years, the emphasis of meals was on low fat, low carbohydrate, simplicity of food. Now, as so many things have changed, our taste buds are changing accordingly. Also, these foods are easy to make and to serve. They tend to appeal to the masses, adult tastes as well as childrens.

Some of the foods of the past that are reoccuring are regional. Southern style foods are old menu makers that are often associated with comfort foods and have been receiving wide popularity outside of the Southern U.S. region. Examples of some of the retro menu items that are returning include:

Meat Loaf - Today meat loaf has been updated in some recipes using ground turkey in place of ground beef or chuck. Sometimes sun dried tomatoes give the sauce an updated twist or mushrooms for added flavor are often added in contemporary menus.

Macaroni and Cheese - Classic side dish or entree that is loved by many. No longer made with just cheddar cheese, updates to the standard macaroni and cheese dish from the past include using several cheeses for that creamy texture and a touch of sophistication.

Hamburgers - Gourmet burgers or just plain burgers are everywhere. Yet another dish that may be brought up to date with the use of ground turkey, substituting for the beef. Teriyaki, mushroom, ceasar, bacon, avocado, etc. all make for new twists on the classics. Simply served with mustard, catsup, lettuce and tomato still serves well for that classic burger.

Bacon - Showing up everywhere and in many recipes, bacon is a highly popular food item again. Seems that bacon was on the down low for years because of it's reputation for being fatty. Now, there's turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon substitutes, Canadian bacon, that make it a bit healthier.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy - The all time splurge is mashed potatoes and gravy. For a long time this dish was a complete no-no for the diet conscious.

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