Chasing Nostalgia: The Sweet Simplicity of Uncle Al’s Lemon Planks

facethyfear
Mar 7
3 min read

Why Treating Yourself Matters

There’s something special about finding a snack that takes you back in time. That first bite, the familiar crunch, the burst of flavor—it’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memory. For me, that snack is Uncle Al’s Lemon Planks—a crisp, lemon-flavored treat that holds more than just flavor. It holds history, nostalgia, and a reminder to appreciate life’s small joys.

The Hunt for Lemon Planks

I buy them every time I see them. You can find me scanning gas station aisles, my eyes moving past the usual rows of chips and candy, searching for that familiar green package. It’s a small victory when I spot them, like striking gold in a place where most wouldn’t even think to look.

One time, I found a whole box of them at a local convenience store, and without hesitation, I bought every single pack. I even told the store owner, “If you keep these stocked, I’ll keep buying them.”

To some, it might seem like just another snack, but to me, it’s a piece of home, a piece of my childhood, and a simple way to treat myself.

A Taste of the Past

I first started eating Lemon Planks at the Farmers Market in Atlanta, specifically in Forest Park, GA. My mom, a teacher, would buy snacks in bulk for her students. She told me she’s always liked them, and now, I see why. They’re simple, nostalgic, and have that perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

There’s something powerful about food that connects us to the past. The taste, the texture, even the smell—it all takes you back. It’s more than just eating—it’s experiencing a memory.

The History Behind the Snack

Lemon Planks are a variation of the classic Stage Planks, a Southern favorite that dates back over a century. Stage Planks, also known as ginger cakes, have deep roots in Southern snack culture, with recipes resembling them appearing in cookbooks as early as 1901. Traditionally, they were molasses-based, crispy, and often coated in pink or white icing.

Uncle Al’s took this nostalgic treat and added a twist—a lemon-flavored version, which has become a hidden gem for those who know about it. This isn’t the only brand making Stage Planks, but Uncle Al’s has kept the tradition alive, offering them in various flavors like banana, strawberry, and classic molasses.

Why the Small Things Matter

In recovery, I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the little things. I used to overlook simple joys, always chasing something bigger, something louder, something to numb myself. But now? I take pride in the small victories.

Buying a pack of Lemon Planks, enjoying the crisp bite, and letting that lemon flavor hit? That’s a small joy I don’t take for granted.

It’s always good to treat yourself. You deserve it. Whether it’s a nostalgic snack, a favorite meal, or just a moment to yourself, taking the time to enjoy life’s little pleasures is important.

The Power of Nostalgia

They say nostalgia is like a time machine, transporting us back to moments that shaped us. For me, Uncle Al’s Lemon Planks are a reminder of childhood, of family, of the simple happiness that comes from treating yourself.

Sometimes, it’s not about the snack itself, but what it represents—stability, warmth, a connection to the past. In a world that moves too fast, nostalgia gives us a reason to pause and remember where we came from.

If you have a snack that brings you back, embrace it. Go out of your way to find it. Let it remind you of who you were and how far you’ve come.

And if you ever find yourself in a gas station aisle, scanning for something familiar, maybe you’ll come across a pack of Lemon Planks. If you do, grab one. Enjoy it. Treat yourself.

Because sometimes, the smallest things in life bring the biggest joy.