For a sweet blast from the past, prepare a dish of fruit cocktail Jell-O. This vintage dessert is cheap, simple to make, and even easier to upgrade.

2 (3-ounce) boxes strawberry gelatin dessert 1 cup mini-marshmallows 1 large can crushed pineapple, drain and reserve juice 1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail, drain and reserve juice 2 bananas ...

From Sally Schneider's A New Way to Cook (Artisan, $24.95). 2 cups fresh or good-quality bottled fruit juice or purée 1 envelope (¼ ounce) unflavored gelatin 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice ...