Hi Everyone and Happy Sunday to you!
Today is another Sunday Supper assignment. This week we were told to make something Retro. Retro? All I could think about was retro candy. What is retro when it comes to meals? Hmmm, was there something that Grandma or Mom made when you were a kid and you completely forgot about it? The only thing I could think of was goolash. My mind went blank. I asked my Husband what he ate as a kid, and of course I got I dunno? Then he said Shit on a Shingle. I said what? What the heck is that? I told him I couldn’t post something with that name. He laughed at me. So I asked him what is S.O.S? He said it was food of the depression, basically it was some sort of peas in a sauce put on bread. That did not sound appealing at all!! But I was curious and goggled it!! S.O.S is beef stock and evaporated milk thickened with a roux, seasoned with parsley and pepper served on bread. It appeared in the military in 1910. I guess Nestle’s sold it on a can. Yuck!!! Canned beef! Blah!!! So I asked my Hubby again, give me something else, and he gave me this.
This is my Husbands Mom’s recipe for Pineapple Bars. Let me tell you, this was not an easy recipe to come by!! My Husband told me that his Mom used to make a pineapple bar that was really good. I asked for more of a description and he said that is all he remembers, except that it was really good!! Great, that wasn’t any help at all. So what do I do? I decided to e-mail his brother and I asked, do you know about the pineapple bars your Mom made? I figured he wouldn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Sure enough, he was yah the pineapple bars, they were so good! Mom would make them a couple of times a year. He knew with the words pineapple bars exactly was I was talking about. They must of been some good bars to remember them after all these years and not give any description except for the name. He said he would ask his wife if she had the recipe. Well with in 48 hours I got an e-mail back, saying that he asked his Sister, who asked their other Sister for the recipe. Needless to say my Husbands Sister hand wrote the recipe out for me and put it in the mail. A week later it was in my hand. One thing I didn’t tell you is that I didn’t tell my Husband I was doing this. I wanted to surprise him with one of his Mom’s recipes. I was so excited to make this for him. See, I never met his Mom and he talks about her often and I thought this would be a nice tribute to her and to give him a piece of his childhood.
I looked at the recipe and gasped! This was not going to be easy!! I had to make pie dough. I never made pie dough before and I knew this was going to be a disaster. With this recipe you can’t cheat and buy a pre-made pie dough either because it is made with sour cream. So I did my best. I made the dough and I had to refrigerate it for 24 hours, then the tough part came. I had to divide the dough in half and roll it out to fit a 11 x 15 cake pan. I was surprised, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. The filling is made with crushed pineapple from the can, sugar and cornstarch and it was heated until it was nice and thick.
I layered the pineapple on top of the first layer of dough and then I had to put the top layer of dough on top of the pineapple. That was tricky, but I did it! I baked it in the oven and once it cooled the recipe said to make Running Frosting. I had no clue what that was, so I asked on Facebook and I was told it was a Royal Frosting that was thin and harden quickly. You know the frosting they put on sugar cookies. Once the bars cooled, I put a layer of Royal Frosting on top and sprinkled it with walnuts. I did it!! My Husband was home the whole time I was making these, but he was working on his car, so he had no idea what I was up to!! He he!!
I called my Husband into the house and told him to come here. I handed him a plate of pineapple bars. He looked at them and said, what is that with a big smile. Now you have to know, when I cook stuff he doesn’t get to excited, unless I tell you otherwise. I said they are pineapple bars. He knew exactly what they were! He said they were almost like his Mom’s. He said he didn’t remember the frosting, then I told him but that was what is on her recipe. Then he said oh yah, it was a very thin layer, almost transparent layer of frosting. Then he ate three of them and said they are so good, gave me a kiss on my forehead and said thank you. Then he went on to tell me his Mom would make them twice a year, on big baking sheets. I can see why she only made them a couple of times of year. The dough on top was the hard part. The rest wasn’t to bad. I have to tell you, I asked my Hubby if I could take some to work, and he grabbed the pan and said no, they’re mine. lol He never has done that before. Normally he says ok! So that is my retro recipe for you!!
I gave you the story behind these bars, but I never told you what I thought of them. I have to say they are amazing! I never had anything like these in my life. They really do remind me of something that I would have had during my childhood. I have never seen anywhere this kind of recipe! This is recipe is defiantly one that my Mom or Grandma would have made. The dough is so light and flaky and the magical pineapple filling takes you to another place. I can’t forget the thin layer of frosting which added a touch of sweetness to pull it all together. This is one recipe that I am proud to have made. It’s not my normal healthy recipe that I would post, and I could have made modifications to healthify it, but somethings you just don’t touch!! This is my Husbands Mom’s recipe and I didn’t want to ruin it or make any kind of modifications. So with that said, this is a treat and I am not giving you the calories on it because somethings are best unknown!
A sweet pineapple bar made with a flaky sour cream crust topped with royal frosting and chopped nuts.
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- For Dough:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 sticks margarine (I used butter)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 pt. sour cream ( I used 8 oz container)
- For Filling:
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp. cornstarch
- Royal frosting:
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- In a bowl add flour, baking powder and salt; set a side.
- In a large bowl, add butter and egg yolks; beat until combined. Add sour cream and mix until combined. Beat in flour mixture. Wrap dough in cellophane and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- In a large pot; add pineapple, sugar and cornstarch. Cook until thicken (about 7 minutes); stirring frequently. Set a side to cool.
- Preheat oven 350F
- Set aside 11 x 15 cake pan
- Divide dough in half. On a floured surface roll dough out to fit cake pan. Line bottom of pan with dough. Evenly spread pineapple mixture over top of dough.
- Roll out 2nd piece of dough to fit cake pan. Carefully place dough over top of pineapple filling. (I pierced 4 slits in the center, I don't know if that was necessary)
- Bake in oven for 45 minutes; until lightly golden.
- Let bars cool completely
- To make frosting:
- In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until combined. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. (The right consistency is when you lift the beater, the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl remains on the surface for a few seconds before disappearing. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Notes
Please note the pie dough needs to chill for 24 hour before using.
No calories today, this is a special recipe.
I am really glad I got to share this recipe with you today because my Husband wasn’t going to let me share it, but I begged him. I told him it was to good not to share with the world. He agreed when I told him it was for the Sunday Supper post, knowing what Sunday Supper meant, he said ok. :)
Don’t forget to check out everyone’s fabulous recipes. I can’t wait to see what retro recipes they made today!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Toodles,
Jen
Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite Retro Food Memory with us!
Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:
- Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
- Retro Football Party: Fondue, Deviled Chicken Wings & Lemon Chiffon by Zest Florida Foodie
- She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles
Sunday Supper Retro Salads:
- Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
- Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
- Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
- Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
- Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP
Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:
- Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
- Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
- Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
- English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
- Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup by The Catholic Foodie
- Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by Yummy What Smells So Good?
SundaySupper Main Dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
- Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
- Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
- Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
- Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
- Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
- Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
- Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
- Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trial in the Kitchen
- Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
- Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
- Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
- Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:
- Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals
- Tator Tot Casserole by Neighbor Food Blog
Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:
- Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
- Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
- Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
- Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
- Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
- Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
- Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
- Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
- Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
- Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
- Victoria Sponge Cake by The Lovely Pantry
- A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
- Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
- Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
- Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big Bears Wife
- Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
- Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.
These Pineapple Square Bars look seriously delicious, and pineapple is one of my favorite flavors in baked goods.
I did make pineapple bread before but other than that I have never baked with pineapple, it was so good! I’m going to have to try it again!
I love surprising my husband too
these look amazing and sound delicious…what a wonderful treat!
Thanks Lisa! I love giving surprises especially ones like this! I think when you do this, it really shows the love!
Hey, sweet friend…have I mentioned that I love that you’re part of #SS now! I also love that you made this memory for your husband. When the people we love are gone, food can allow them to live on. We still my my Great Gramma’s recipes and laugh and laugh as well tell stories about the funny things she said/did!
Hi Wendy! I can’t post on your site for some reason, it seems the screen froze, but I want to tell you your casserole looks amazing!!! I love that you lightened it up!! Casseroles where a big retro recipe! I wonder why that has changed?
Well, first of all, I kind of really like Shit on a Shingle! I’ve never used canned beef to make it, just regular old chipped beef…but it’s so good. And these Pineapple Bars look insanely delicious!! I totally want to make them!
I’m starting to think maybe SOS is a good thing. I may have to try it one day! I’d shock my Husband with that recipe! lol
I may be making these, ohhhhh, today. YUM!
Oh Jen if you do, let me know what you think!
These are so my kind of bars! Love everything about them. And a vintage recipe, perfect!
Thanks Paula! I just love making retro recipes, so fun!
Wow these look really good, I have never tried pineapple bars (only lemon bars!). I have a pineapple in my fridge right now, maybe its enough to make some of these, mmm!
If you do decide to make them Kristi, let me know what you think!
Mmmm – these sound absolutely delectable! I’d love to try a square or two….
Thanks Katie!
I love the story behind getting the recipe. They look so good and I love pineapple bars!!!
Thanks Tara! It was quite an adventure to get the recipe, but it must have been memorable since everyone in my Husbands family remembers them.
These look and sound delicious!
Thank you!
This looks like the furthest thing from a disaster! Way to go…tackling pie crust and a retro recipe all in one!
Thanks Courtney! The pie crust was scary, but it worked out!
Now I”m ready to experiment with more pie crusts!
These sound delicious! Wow! I love pineapple!
Thank you!
Don’t think I’ve ever seen this before, but I wish I had! It looks wonderful, rich but light
Thanks! I have never seen anything like this recipe before, it’s quite amazing tasting. I was already asked to when I was making a second batch!!
OMY! These look heavenly! I would be eating the whole pan!
Trust me it was hard not too!!
These looks like the perfect retro dish! They sound amazing!
Thanks Erin!
Yay! Another recipe for my pineapple kick! Two to stock away and try this week
I can’t get over how many pineapple recipes there were! Pineapple must be a retro fruit! So many great recipes, I need to try them!
These pineapple bars look soooo good that I can’t wait to make them! I haven’t had Shit on a Shingle in along time! I can remember when my Mom first made it, just hearing the name I wasn’t hungry. I didn’t even want to look at it! Lol. But all it is a roux made with butter, flour,and milk. Then put chipped beef in it and put it over toast. Yum!
Huh, I’m starting to wonder about SOS, it seems a lot of people do like it! Sounds weird though, but you never know, it could be the one food I am meant to have and love??
Oh yum! This combo sounds super good.
Thanks Emily, it was so good!!
Wow they sound great! I love pineapples in recipes, so delicious!
Me too!! For some reason I never think of pineapple for dessert, for some reason I automatically drift to pina coladas. lol
You are an amazing wife and there will be a payback I think ,hahaha. You made me think about a childhood meal of my hubby. And it looks amazing as well. Will taste well with a morning coffee.
Thanks Marta, that is so nice of you to say! It’s fun bringing back childhood treats like this!!
What a nice story!! I love that you did this for your husband. So sweet. That and they do look delish!!! YUMMY! My husband would love these I may have to give it a go for him.
Thanks Tammi! I love to surprise my Husband every once in a while with a nice treat!
I;m glad #SundaySupper inspired you to find an old family recipe. This reminds me of a similar bar that was made with apples. I might have to give it a try.
These do look absolutely delicious, Jennifer. Thank you for obtaining and sharing your mother-in-law’s recipe =) BTW My husband is my most honest and forthright critic, too.
Oh my goodness these sound delicious!!! Thanks for sharing at my party Jennnifer..Hope you have a great week
Hugs,
Marcie
What a wonderful story and how incredible of you to do all that work to get your hands on the family recipe and surprise your husband. Awesome, just totally awesome.
Thanks Renee! It felt really nice to make these for my Husband! It really made his day!
Jen, this was a true labour of love. I can’t believe you went through all of that to obtain the recipe. And then to conquer pie dough! It’s my baking archnemesis – I haven’t gotten it right yet. Yours looks perfect – so golden and flaky. I can just imagine how delicious these bars were. And I laughed at the name of SOS and then gagged at the description. I know that people were forced to eat it based on the circumstances of the time. Poor them!
Yah SOS just doesn’t sound right!!! I’m waiting for my Husband to request it! Eck!!
I’ve clicked on everything I can think of, but I don’t see the recipe! I’m drooling–help!
Their has been errors in my blog. The recipe should be there now, but here is the recipe just in case! Thank you for letting me know!
Ingredients:
For Dough:
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 sticks margarine (I used butter)
3 egg yolks
1/2 pt. sour cream ( I used 8 oz container)
For Filling:
2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup sugar
4 tbsp. cornstarch
Royal frosting:
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
Topping:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
In a bowl add flour, baking powder and salt; set a side.
In a large bowl, add butter and egg yolks; beat until combined. Add sour cream and mix until combined. Beat in flour mixture. Wrap dough in cellophane and refrigerate for 24 hours.
In a large pot; add pineapple, sugar and cornstarch. Cook until thicken (about 7 minutes); stirring frequently. Set a side to cool.
Preheat oven 350F
Set aside 11 x 15 cake pan
Divide dough in half. On a floured surface roll dough out to fit cake pan. Line bottom of pan with dough. Evenly spread pineapple mixture over top of dough.
Roll out 2nd piece of dough to fit cake pan. Carefully place dough over top of pineapple filling. (I pierced 4 slits in the center, I don’t know if that was necessary)
Bake in oven for 45 minutes; until lightly golden.
Let bars cool completely
To make frosting:
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until combined. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. (The right consistency is when you lift the beater, the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl remains on the surface for a few seconds before disappearing. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.
Spread frosting over cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Notes
Please note the pie dough needs to chill for 24 hour before using.
What a sweet surprise gift to your husband. A wonderful tribute to his mom. They do sound delicious
Ahhh, thanks Laura!!
What a terrific story! And the bars do look amazing.
I’m a huge lemon bar fan but these look like they might be even better!
I adore this story. The fact that he couldnt tell you what was in them, but they were good. (I get this ALL the time w/ my hubs) And then through an amazing chain of relatives, you got the recipe. And bless your heart b/c if you didn’t get it, sounds like this one would have died off but now, it will live on forever thru the internet
And not healthifying them, GOOD! Some things should never be messed with!
Thanks Averie that is so sweet of you to say! I read your post to my Husband and he was smiling and thought that was so sweet of you to say!