Feel Better About Your Own Family: A Collection of Mad Men Inspired Recipes

'Tis the season for holiday visits with family, and if you're dreading awkward social interactions with some of your relatives, we've pulled together a collection of Mad Men-inspired modern recipes for entertaining, and to remind you that things could always be worse!

Hearts of Palm Salad, inspired by Trudy and Pete
When you return home after a vacation with your parents and your husband's wearing a sick expression and won't meet your eyes, this is a light, refreshing option for the next day, when you try to pretend like he's not a philandering weasel.

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Birthday Cupcakes, inspired by Don Draper
When your husband dislikes family functions so much that he picks up your daughter's birthday cake and never brings it back, here are some alternatives, just in case nobody has a spare Sara Lee in the freezer.

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Popsicles, inspired by Peggy Olson
When you land an account and upgrade your office, popsicles are the perfect celebratory treat.
#TakeItBreakItShareItLoveIt

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No Plans, No Breakfast Brunch Ideas, Inspired by Midge Daniels
Midge might not make plans or breakfast, but if you're a little less spontaneous, here are some brunch options you can make "half-asleep."

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Oyster Cheesecake, Inspired by Don Draper and Roger Sterling
When your boss doesn't respect any boundaries, oysters and cheesecake are the perfect revenge.

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Roast, Inspired by Don and Betty Draper
When you cook something special for your husband as an apology for something you didn't do, you get to feel extra satisfied about your happy marriage when he's cruel about it. #ImAVegetarianSometimes #SimmerOvernightIndeed

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Too Good for Glen Vegetarian Sandwiches, Inspired by Betty and Glen
When the neighborhood kid runs away to your back yard and you make him some food and give him clean clothes, but he reveals that he doesn't eat meat. Naturally, you're going to want to hop up and fetch him something more appealing. #OrSendTheBoyHome

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Date Nut Bread, Inspired by Suzanne Farrell
It's not just for the 1963 bake sale. You can enjoy this any time. Like in a work meeting the day after your inadvisable affair with your daughter's former teacher. Or whenever.

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Cheese-Stuffed Peppers, Inspired by Joy
Remember when you didn't know what Mexican food was? We don't, either. Luckily, even if you don't have a Joy around to explain how sauces work, you can create your very own stuffed peppers. They taste best when surrounded by strangers after you abandon your business conference.

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Roast Chicken, Inspired by Katherine Olson and Pete Campbell
If you'd like to invite some neighbors and your priest over for dinner after church, be sure to browbeat them into complimenting you about how dry the chicken isn't.
We would have added a second roast chicken recipe, but Pete threw it off the balcony.

Rumaki, Inspired by Betty Draper
When you plan an around-the-world menu for your husband's colleagues, remember to break a chair leg, skip the Heineken, and wear that dress as long as possible.

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Steak Tartare, Inspired by Bobbie Barrett
Why go out and be bad when you could stay home with food that tastes this good?

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Pasta Sauce, Inspired by Sal Romano
This is a delicious choice when you invite your buddy over for dinner to discuss his short story.
If you're not a fan, be gentle - we're fragile.

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Accordion Potatoes, Inspired by Joan
When you throw a dinner party and discover your husband isn't the professional success you imagined him to be, be sure to give him the glare of death in the middle of an otherwise charming performance of C'est Magnifique. 

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Ham(m), Inspired by Archie Whitman
We imagine Archie and Don would approve of the bourbon glaze on this ham. We're only sorry we can't offer any candy recipes that taste like violets.

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Crab-Stuffed Avocado,
Inspired by Betty Draper
Your Valentine's Day might only be romantic on the outside, but you still have a gift for room service.

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Waldorf Salad, Inspired by Conrad Hilton
If you want to intimidate your guests, remind them there's a salad named after your hotel. Fine print: Diners expressing desire for the moon in this salad should prepare to feel deeply disappointed.

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Cereal and Cartoons,
Inspired by Pete Campbell
If scheming office politics and social climbing become overwhelming, there's always the cereal party - of one.

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Old-Fashioned, Inspired by Don Draper
Move forward.
But also, drink old-fashioned.

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Chip & Dip, Inspired by Pete Campbell
When all else fails, you could just reach for a bag of chips and assorted dips and binge a fantastic TV show. We know a great one - re-watch with us!

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