Unique Christmas recipes of the past revealed

From Meat Dumpling Pudding to Mincemeat Omelettes and even Rainbow Castles, historical newspaper archives on Findmypast showcase how wartime scarcity inspired culinary creativity at Christmas.

Food historian Peter Gilchrist explores how these unusual recipes became household staples of their time, offering insight into the resilience of families navigating food shortages and rising costs during trying times.

Rainbow castles:

One of the more whimsical recipes uncovered is "Rainbow Castles," a festive dessert that brought colour and cheer to Christmas tables.

Made with steamed sponge using dried eggs and topped with a two-tone sauce—pink with cochineal and brown with cocoa—this vibrant dessert turned humble ingredients into a festive treat.

Commenting on the recipes Pater Gilchrist, Food Historian, adds "Rainbow Castles is a brilliant example of how even during times of scarcity, families found ways to bring joy to the table. The bright colours and creative presentation added a festive flair to what were otherwise very humble ingredients. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and resourcefulness during tough times.”

Meat Dumpling Pudding:

Among the quirky and inventive recipes uncovered is the Meat Dumpling Pudding, a 1946 post-war dish that combined humble wartime staples to create a hearty centrepiece.

Featuring minced steak, onions, and dripping encased in a steamed suet pastry, this recipe offered families a way to stretch their rations while creating a festive meal.

Gilchrist comments, "This recipe might sound unusual to modern ears, but during times of rationing, it was all about making the most of what you had. The pudding basin, traditionally used for sweet treats, was repurposed to turn a few affordable ingredients into a warming, shareable dish that could grace the Christmas table.”

Sweet Soufflé Omelette:

One of the surprising festive finds is the Sweet Soufflé Omelette, a dessert that reimagined the humble omelette as a much-loved pudding during 1974.

Combining whisked egg whites, a touch of sugar, and leftover mincemeat, this recipe offered households an indulgent way to use what was on hand. Served warm with a sprinkle of icing sugar and brandy, it brought a touch of festive flair to rationed dining.

Gilchrist comments, "The Sweet Soufflé Omelette is a perfect example of how families turned necessity into invention. Eggs were a valuable resource, and this recipe shows how they could be stretched into something special. With its light texture and hint of sweetness, it transformed everyday ingredients into a sweet dish—just the kind of ingenuity that kept spirits high during a tough Christmas season."

Christmas slimmers:

A bright and cheerful dessert from the 1960s, Sunflower Jelly was vibrant and light on calories. Despite living through years of rationing and challenging times, people were still conscious of what they ate during this period

Dubbed a “slimmers” recipe, it offered a guilt-free festive treat, with hollowed-out orange shells filled with coloured jelly and sliced into eye-catching “petals.”

Gilchrist comments, “By the 1960s, the idea of lighter, low-calorie recipes was gaining popularity, and Sunflower Jelly tapped into this trend. It’s a simple yet visually striking dish that proves festive flair doesn’t have to come with indulgence.”

The Iconic Christmas Pudding:

During the Second World War, the iconic Christmas pudding was reinvented as the Rationed Christmas Pudding. Food scarcity caused by disruptions in global trade, attacks on merchant ships, and the diversion of resources to the war effort meant that traditional ingredients like raisins, sultanas, and butter were scarce.

Grated carrot and potato replaced dried fruits, and margarine substituted for butter, yet the Christmas pudding remained a centerpiece of British festive traditions.

Gilchrist comments, "The Christmas pudding has always been more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of coming together to celebrate. The wartime adaptations show how deeply ingrained these traditions were, as families went to great lengths to recreate the familiar, even when supplies were scarce. The Rationed Christmas Pudding is a reminder of how people found ways to preserve joy and normalcy during one of the most challenging times in history."

Commenting on the research, Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast, said "These recipes show that Brits have always been remarkably creative in the kitchen. From swapping raisins for carrots to turning omelettes into desserts, the holiday spirit clearly perseveres—no matter how odd the ingredients list gets. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about the perfect recipe, but about making the most of what you have and finding joy in the process.”

To discover more about these unique festive traditions and the stories behind your own family's past, visit www.findmypast.co.uk