Quaker Oats claims to be the first food brand to print a recipe on its box in 1891, but it didn’t take long for other companies to make similar use of the space on their packages. They knew a captive market when they saw one! Some back-of-the-box recipes have become classics: Ritz Mock Apple Pie (1930s), Rice Krispies Treats (1940), Lipton Classic Onion Dip (1950s). Favorite Brand Name Best Loved Recipes of All Time (Publications International, 1996) puts many of these recipes into one book.

The “Raspberry Watermelon Slush” seemed like the right kind of sustenance on a steamy July day — but it doesn’t come from a fruit company. The Sugar Association, founded in 1943, created this recipe. At first, I was skeptical about adding sugar to naturally sweet fruit. But the drink tasted watery without it, and balanced after I stirred it in. The recipe did what it was designed to do — highlight the featured product. This kind of marketing has stood the test of time, and so has this drink.

Raspberry Watermelon Slush
Serves 2

1 cup frozen raspberries [I put fresh raspberries in the freezer overnight]
1 cup seedless watermelon
1 cup lemon-lime seltzer [I used plain seltzer and added a squeeze each of fresh lemon and lime]
1 tablespoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend thoroughly. Serve immediately.