Cooking As Entertainment
Both lifestyles and eating habits became more diverse in the 1980s. Fancy desserts were popular contest entries, but they were created for special occasions by entrants who cooked for entertainment, not for everyday meals. Attractively garnished foods reflected Americans' increasingly sophisticated palates. Men and women alike were interested in preparing ethnic recipes.

While Available Time Shrinks
Two-paycheck families with demanding schedules needed easy recipes. Convenience products enabled the preparation of favorite foods in a short time. Refrigerated pie crust revived pie baking, which had declined dramatically in the 1970s.

Making an Effort to Eat Healthy
Concern for good nutrition remained evident. Main dish recipes began to feature more chicken and less beef. New low-fat versions of dairy products were substituted for their traditional counterparts.