9 Forgotten Ingredients That Defined Louisiana’s Holiday Recipes

The holiday season is here, and in Louisiana, that means food is front and center. From gumbo pots bubbling on the stove to desserts cooling on the counter, cooking for family gatherings is a cherished tradition across the state.

But as you pull out family recipes from generations past, you might notice something curious—some ingredients your grandmother swore by are now hard to find, replaced by modern alternatives, or simply forgotten.

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These old-fashioned staples tell a story of resourcefulness, culture, and a love for cooking that continues to define Louisiana kitchens today.

The Legacy of Family Recipes in Louisiana

In South Louisiana, holiday cooking is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of heritage. Recipes written on well-worn index cards or passed down by word of mouth bring family history to life with each bite. Whether it’s your grandmother’s famous pecan pie, your aunt’s jambalaya, or a uniquely Southern ambrosia salad, these dishes connect generations and keep traditions alive.

However, as times change, so do the ingredients we use. Many of the staples that were once common in Louisiana kitchens have become harder to find, but understanding their history can add new depth to your holiday celebrations.

9 Old-Fashioned Ingredients You Might Remember

1. Oleo (Margarine)

A common butter substitute in mid-20th-century recipes, oleo (short for oleomargarine) was made from vegetable oils and sold with a food coloring packet to mimic butter. While margarine still exists, the term "oleo" has largely disappeared, leaving a bit of nostalgia for those who grew up hearing it.

2. Lard

Once a kitchen staple, lard was used for everything from frying to baking. Though it fell out of favor during the rise of low-fat diets, it’s still prized for its ability to create flaky pie crusts—perfect for sweet potato or pecan pie.

3. Cake Flour

While all-purpose flour has taken over most recipes, cake flour was once essential for achieving the light, airy texture of holiday cakes. Look for it in your grandmother’s old baking recipes!

4. Canned Fruit

No South Louisiana holiday table was complete without a pear salad or a colorful ambrosia salad, both of which relied heavily on canned fruit. It was affordable, versatile, and perfect for creating dishes that balanced sweet and savory flavors.

5. Baker’s Ammonia

Before baking soda, there was baker’s ammonia. It was the go-to leavening agent for breads and cookies, giving them a crisp texture. While it’s less common today, it’s still available at specialty stores and online.

6. Evaporated Milk

A pantry staple for Southern kitchens, evaporated milk is still found in some holiday recipes like custards and creamy casseroles. It’s often replaced by modern heavy cream, but it’s worth keeping on hand for its rich flavor.

7. Gelatin Powder

Gelatin powder was a kitchen hero during the mid-20th century, stretching leftovers and serving as the base for “gelatin salads.” These dishes might not appear as often on today’s tables, but they hold a nostalgic place in Louisiana food history.

8. Dream Whip

Before Cool Whip, there was Dream Whip—a powdered dessert topping you made by whipping it with milk and vanilla extract. It’s not as easy to find anymore, but if you have old family dessert recipes, don’t be surprised to see it listed.

9. Congealed Salad Ingredients

Whether you loved them or avoided them, congealed salads were a quintessential part of many holiday gatherings. These salads often combined gelatin, canned fruit, and even savory items like mayonnaise or cottage cheese for a dish that pushed culinary boundaries.

Why These Ingredients Matter to Louisiana Families

In South Louisiana, where food is deeply tied to culture, these old-fashioned ingredients reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of past generations. Many of these staples were born out of necessity, allowing families to create flavorful dishes even during hard times.

Today, revisiting these ingredients can be a way to honor your family’s history and bring a little taste of nostalgia to your holiday meals.

Where to Find Old-Fashioned Ingredients

While some of these items, like evaporated milk and canned fruit, are still widely available at grocery stores, others may require a little extra effort to track down. Check local specialty stores, farmers' markets, or online retailers for ingredients like baker’s ammonia or Dream Whip.

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What’s Your Favorite Holiday Ingredient?

Louisiana families take pride in their holiday cooking traditions. What forgotten ingredients or recipes from your family do you love? Share your favorite memories and dishes with us—we’d love to hear how you keep your family’s food traditions alive.