Thursday, January 2, 2014

Robot Rounds




In 1986, cookbooks still advised busy Moms to bake hot pockets and pop tarts in an actual oven. Sure, they suggested using ready-made pastry, but that’s all. This recipe for Robot Rounds even requires brushing on an egg wash before baking.

It assumes readers will know what an egg wash is.

It mentions using the “tines of a fork” with which to seal the edges. This book appeared at the exact point in history when “tines” could be mentioned in a recipe illustrated with flying robot homemade hot pockets.

The microwave had not yet made enough of an inroad to kitchens to build a zappable after school snack industry. It’s years away from envisioning squeezable yogurt tubes and cereal bars and a generation who don’t even know how to use a knife and fork because all they eat is food that doesn’t require any.

Kids’ Lunches, Better Homes and Gardens, 1986