BIRD'S CUSTARD: National Vanilla Custard Day

Today is National Vanilla Custard Day. You're probably thinking that Vanilla Custard has nothing to do with a chocolate blog, and you'd be right. But since it's a food holiday, I wanted to share one of my favorite feel-good Retro Foods: Bird's Custard.

Bird's Custard is an artificially-flavored commercial custard powder, that is not really a true custard as it is not thickened with eggs. Rather it uses cornstarch. Bird's Custard was invented by Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd. of Birmingham, England, in 1837. Bird created it because his wife was allergic to eggs, the key ingredient used to thicken traditional custard. O.K. we all have our secrets, and this is mine. I love the way it tastes.

And just an FYI, until 2009 many Bird's products, such as its instant custard powder, contained hydrogenated vegetable oil, a product now banned in some countries due to health concerns relating to heart disease. Since 2009 all Bird's custards have moved to non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.

So for your viewing pleasure today, here are some fun Vintage and Retro Ads for Bird's Custard.