History of Watergate Salad

Individuals living in this day and time may think that politics are very exciting and sometimes have positive effects and others have negative effects. In the 1970s when I was a child there was a political event that happened that many of you may be able to recall and some may have witnessed The event I refer to is the Watergate event. This event changed lives forever and opened the door to inside of politics in my opinion as well. Well one good thing did come from this event and that was the invention of one of my favorite salads the WaterGate salad

One feature in the WaterGate salad is the pistachios have been enjoyed since the beginning of time. In early times they were considered only for those that could afford luxuries. In the 20th century they became more accesible to those who wanted to use them in the kitchen. Often used to flavor icecream and parfaits and sometimes found in salads, toppngs, baked goods and candies Kraft helped to make the pistachio a popular flavor with the invention of pistachio instant pudding mix in 1975.

Kraft developed the recipe Pistachio Pineapple Delight and a Chicago food editor renamed it Watergate Salad in the colomn that she shared it in her article.

[1975]
"Watergate Salad
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 box instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups small marshmallows
1 (9-ounce) box whipped topping mix
1 cup or less walnuts or pecans
Mix undrained pineapple with pudding by pouring pudding into pineapple. Stir. Add rest of ingredients. Stir by hand. Chill before serving. C.K."
---"Anne's Reader Exchange," Washington Post, November 13, 1975 (p. C17)


some information used in this post was found at http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodsalads.html#watergatesalad

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