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By Janet K. Keeler, from staff and wire reports deconstructing pound cake
This heavy, moist vanilla cake is a product of England, where it was created in the early 1700s. Its name comes from the amounts of the ingredients: 1 pound each of flour, butter, sugar and eggs. How pound cake crossed the pond to America to become a favorite dessert, especially in the South, is unclear.
It's possible, according to many food historians, that Thomas Jefferson, who was ambassador to France before becoming president, introduced pound cake to the South. In the 1780s he traveled extensively in Europe and brought back many new foods, including vanilla extract, olives, olive oil, pasta, waffles and wines. Among his culinary souvenirs were recipes for ice cream and meringues. By the mid 1800s, the fine-textured, compact pound cake was popular at American weddings. Its sturdiness made it a good foil for juicy fruits and sweet syrups. Many variations have evolved over the years, with leavening agents added to lighten the cake and other ingredients changing the basic vanilla flavor. Today, pound cake can include coconut, rum, nuts, raisins or dried fruits. As Americans have become more health-conscious, the pound cake has undergone even more changes. Some recipes substitute vegetable oil for butter, and there are even nonfat varieties. cooking classWhen making mustard-flavored sauces, don't boil the liquid after the mustard has been whisked in, or the sauce will get thick and grainy. If you want the taste of mustard without the kick that comes from potent Dijon, try whole-grain mustard instead. Contrary to what you might think, whole-grain mustard is milder than Dijon. this web site cooksLong live Southern cuisine! Corn bread! Greens! Fried chicken! "Chief Eating Officer" Gary Saunders is the mastermind of this site and is not ashamed to be called "Bubba." He knows the name is an endearment for "brother." The site, which includes lots of recipes and history of Dixieland food, also suggests background music for your fish fry. In Florida, that means Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, KC and the Sunshine Band and, of course, Lynyrd Skynyrd. All have Florida roots. No mention of Gloria Estefan, though. constant comment"A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar." -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) what does that mean?Folding is a technique that mixes two ingredients of different densities. For instance, light, airy beaten egg whites or whipped cream can be folded into heavy batters for certain cakes, mousses and souffles. The goal is to incorporate the ingredients without beating the air out of the lighter element. To fold correctly, use a long-handled spatula and slice through the middle of the mixture and sweep it along the bottom of the bowl, bringing the bottom layer to the top. Do this several times, gently, just until evenly mixed. kitchen tips
--If unsure about the age of eggs, place them in a bowl of cold water. If they sink, they're still fresh. If they float, they should be discarded. --To ripen a tomato quickly, place it in a paper bag or covered bowl with an apple. The apple gives off ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. --Cut calories in half without sacrificing flavor when making grilled cheese sandwiches. Brush the outside of the bread with light mayonnaise instead of butter. --Use a "soap shake" to clean your blender. Partly fill blender with hot water. Add one drop of dish detergent. Run blender briefly, then empty soapy water. Rinse with clean hot water. corn bread cook-offMartha White is seeking entries for its National Cornbread Cook-Off. Prizes include $3,000 and a FiveStar gas range. Recipes should be a main dish made with Martha White Corn Meal or Cornbread Mix and cooked in cast iron cookware, preferably Lodge, a co-sponsor of the contest. Entry deadline is Feb. 28. To register, visit www.marthawhite.com or call (423) 837-0022. popcorn funnies
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From the Times Taste section From the features wire |
Kraft Foods offers these tips for easier work in the kitchen:
The ASAP Food Products company adds character to the world of standard microwave popcorn -- literally. The Ohio-based company's A Super Amazing Popcorn microwave popcorn bags feature cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, the Powerpuff Girls, Tweety, Scooby-Doo and other familiar cartoons. There are 13 bags in all and four flavors of popcorn, from butter to sweet-salty, low-fat and natural. Look for the ASAP popcorn at grocery stores for $2.49-$2.79 for a three-pack.
