Have you ever seen a picture of a banana that looks like it’s standing on flame? You probably thought that it was a joke or something from the internet. But it is not a meme – it’s actually a vintage recipe called candle salad. It’s a type of fruit salad that was popular in the 1920s and 1960s, particularly during holidays. It is typically composed of lettuce, pineapple, banana and a cherry, with mayonnaise or, according to some recipes, cottage cheese. Whipped cream can also be used for the topping.
This salad is easy to make. First, a few leaves of lettuce are placed on a plate or decorative napkin to form the base. Stacks of pineapple rings are then placed on top, providing a niche for a peeled banana to sit in. A cherry is then attached to the top of the banana for the “flame.” Mayonnaise or whipped cream is then drizzled down the side of the salad to resemble candle wax.
Whether you serve this as a starter, dessert, or even as a centerpiece for your holiday table, it’s sure to get people talking. And it’s a fun way to get kids involved in cooking. The strange-looking dish seems to have disappeared from the dinner table during the 60s, but has recently resurfaced on social media. You can still try it if you’re feeling brave enough to give your guests a laugh over its suggestive appearance.