How to Plan 80s Party Food

Play 80s dance music to give the party atmosphere.

The 1980s were filled with big hair, loud music and neon colors. When planning an '80s themed party, it is important to choose food that invokes nostalgia for the people of that era, whether they were nerds, punks, goths or rocker types. Food in the 1980s was mostly about packaging and convenience. Remember, while low-fat foods were prevalent, typical '80s food was not health conscious.

Things You'll Need

• Appetizer:
• 1 package frozen spinach
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• 1 package vegetable soup mix
• 1 loaf bread
• Knife
• Baking pan
• 1 package skewers
• Drink:
• Blender
• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 10-12 ice cubes
• Entree:
• 1 onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 red pepper
• 1/4 package mushrooms
• 1 clove garlic
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 32 ounce thin sliced rib eye
• 1 package American cheese
• 4 Italian rolls
• Baking sheet
• Dessert:
• Microwaveable bowl
• 10 ounces marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups Rice Krispies
• Wooden spoon
• Cooking spray
• 9 x 13"' Pan

Instructions

1980s Party Food: Course by Course

1. The ultimate '80s appetizer is reflected in this spinach and bread dip. Thaw the spinach and drain the excess water. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream and cream cheese in the mixing bowl. Stir mixture until well blended. Add the package of soup and the spinach and stir. Hollow out the center of the bread. Pour dip into the bread. Cut the removed bread into cubes. Bake the bread cubes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Skewer the cubes for easy dipping. This feeds 4-6 people.

2. Transport your guests back to a 1980s shopping mall with this refreshing orange drink. Combine the orange juice, milk and water in the blender. Add the vanilla and the sugars. Blend for one minute. Add the ice cubes one at a time. Makes four small servings.

3. Steak sandwiches were the ubiquitous quick and easy meal. Clean all the vegetables prior to using them. Cut both of the peppers, the onion and the mushrooms into slices. Peel and cut the garlic. Pour three tablespoons of the oil in the frying pan. Add the vegetables to the pan and fry them. Place saucepan contents into mixing bowl. Pour remaining three tablespoons of oil into the frying pan. Add the meat and fry until cooked through. Cut the rolls in half. Place a slice of cheese on each side. Place on baking pan with cheese side facing upward. Broil bread for one minute or until melted. Remove from oven. Place meat and vegetables on roll. This serves one person.

4. What kid did not enjoy making Rice Krispies treats with adults? Your guests will feel like kids again when eating this dessert. Combine marshmallows, butter, and Rice Krispies in a microwaveable bowl. Place in microwave. Cook for two minutes. Remove from microwave. Stir mixture with a spoon coated with vegetable spray (to reduce sticking). Stir in peanut butter. Place bowl back in microwave for one minute. Remove from microwave and stir again. Coat pan with cooking spray. Scrape mixture into pan and let cool. Cut into 24 small pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Add party decorations such as Rubik's cubes, neon anything, and '80s movie posters. Play '80s movies with the sound off while listening to '80s music from different genres. Ask guests to dress in their most outlandish '80s clothes.

References

• Cooks: Spinach Dip with Bread
• Mommy's Kitchen: Homemade Orange Julius Brings Back Memories
• Food Network: Philly Cheese Steak
• Cooking for Engineers: Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats