By Staff
Celebrating 100 Years of the Campbell Kids
Since their first appearance in 1904, the Campbell Kids have become synonymous with Campbell Soup Company and have found their way into the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. Here are some facts on the fresh-faced, ageless wonders, who are celebrating their 100th birthday:
A great start. Philadelphia artist Grace Drayton gave "birth" to the Kids, who first appeared on streetcar card advertising in over 300 cities. They were an immediate hit and were subsequently used in all of the company's advertising.
What's missing? The Kids have never been given first names. They also do not have any visible ears or necks.
All-American kids. In 1918 the Kids donned World War I uniforms and Red Cross outfits in advertisements to support the war effort, and in World War II advertising they asked consumers to buy war bonds. In 1984, Campbell's Soup became a sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team, and images of the Kids playing numerous sports appeared on Campbell soup cans and in numerous ads.
Campbell's collectibles.
Items and artifacts featuring the Campbell Kids have become coveted licensed collectibles. Campbell has offered dozens of dolls and novelties with their likeness, including salt and pepper shakers, postcards, bobble head dolls, toy trucks, kitchen clocks and a host of figurines.
100 years young. Today a Campbell Kid is the official face of the Campbell's Labels for Education program, and his image adorns more than 1.5 billion cans of soup each year.
Three-Cheese Pasta Skillet
Prep/Cook Time: 20 minutes
A satisfying crunch of crispy onions tops this simple and cheesy one-pan pasta dish. Pair with a meatloaf or roast chicken, or serve on its own accompanied with crusty bread and
a fruit salad.
3 cups uncooked corkscrew pasta
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup water
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded two-cheese blend
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (2.8-ounce) can French's French Fried Onions
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Mix soup, water, pepper, cheeses and 2/3 cup onions in skillet. Heat to a boil. Add pasta and top with remaining onions. Cover and cook over low heat 2 minutes or until hot.
Serves 6
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Chicken and vegetables are paired in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden biscuit crust. Serve with a mixed green salad, and for dessert, offer ice cream and Pepperidge Farm cookies.
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1 package (about 9 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose baking mix
Preheat oven to 400¡F. Mix soup, vegetables and chicken in 9-inch pie plate. Mix milk, egg and baking mix; pour over chicken mixture. Bake 30 minutes or until golden.
Serves 4
Tip: As a variation, substitute Campbell's Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup.