{excerpt taken from the 2019 food and drink issue of IDLE CLASS MAGAZINE}

Sardines Anyone?

Mid-century party food was (and still is) all about novelty; a dramatic juxtaposition from the rationing that gripped Americans during WWII. Suddenly, in the matter of a few years we went from potted meat to sardines suspended magically in gelatin thanks to exciting food technology. Plus, everything was served tiny and bite sized; a way to curate miniature, edible works of art for friends, family, and guests. Some popular items from that time included deviled eggs, pimento cheese, finger sandwiches with tuna and chicken salad, sardines, peanut butter in celery, and just about anything that could be suspended in aspic….my personal favorite: Spaghetti-O no you didn’t!

We’ve created our own Mid Century Modern snacks for your approval, teeming with layers of color and flavors that will no doubt illicit BOTH cheers and jeers from your cocktail party guests.

SARDINE-THYME SPREAD

2 4.25 oz. cans Sardines

8 oz. Cream Cheese (room temperature)

2 tbsp. fresh Thyme (chopped)

2 tbsp. Lemon Juice

*Mash together sardines and cream cheese; add thyme, lemon juice then serve in small bowl with your favorite crackers.