Posts for 'General Information' Category

Dorothy Charron from St. Augustine, Fla., was looking for recipe from many years ago for a moist chocolate cake that had Coca-Cola as an ingredient. Theodora Capezio from Monkton, Md., sent in a recipe for making a Coca-Cola cake that she said she cut from a newspaper a long time ago. She said her young family, with six sons, always enjoyed this cake.

Her original recipe called for the use of oleo, which was what margarine was called when it was first introduced. That gives some idea of what era this recipe dates from. This cake is extremely sweet, one that most kids and adults with a sweet tooth are bound to love. Next time, I think I would be inclined to serve it without the topping and substitute a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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1 pound dry bow-tie or favorite short pasta

8 spears asparagus

1 can (6 ounces dry weight) small pitted ripe olives, drained well, sliced

1 bunch green onions, washed, ends removed, sliced

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Servings: 8

Note: This butter can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 teaspoon minced, seeded jalapeño

1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest (about 4 Mexican limes)

1 teaspoon lime juice (about 1 Mexican lime)

1 teaspoon tequila

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Makes 4 servings 1/4 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak (about 1/2 inch thick), cut into 4 equal pieces

1/2 pound poblano chilies

1 small white onion, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

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Buttermilk doughnuts

Total time: 1 hour
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Servings: Makes about 1 1/2 dozen donuts

4 1/4 cups (18 ounces) flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

Pinch grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

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Researchers from the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station in Sinhua Township, Tainan County, have developed a way to turn used cooking grease into compost. Lin Jin-ching, an associate researcher at the station, said Monday that the method, which was developed with the help of National Chung Hsing University in Taichung City, involves using bacteria to break down the oils in the grease.

Before administering the bacteria, however, the grease has to be mixed with a material developed by the station, Lin said. She said that every year Taiwan's restaurants produce about 200,000 tons to 250,000 tons of used grease, which is difficult to dispose of. The new process has been proven to create an effective fertilizer, she said.

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Whether it's a picnic, backyard barbecue or camping trip, summer means plenty of al fresco dining. And that means desserts need to be outdoorsy as well.

The best sweets for going au natural are ones that require the fewest plates or utensils and involve little or no cleanup. Think cookies, brownies and bars. These date and nut squares with an espresso drizzle can be made ahead and packed in a lightweight plastic container for portability.

Instant espresso is used to flavour both the squares and the drizzle. Look for it with other instant coffees or consider using one of new higher-quality instant coffees being sold in individual serving packets.

Date and Nut Squares With Espresso Drizzle Start to finish: 50 minutes (15 minutes active) Squares 10 ml (2 tsp) instant espresso or coffee 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract 175 ml (3/4 cup) granulated sugar.

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INGREDIENTS

    * 250g/9oz basmati rice
    * 4 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil
    * 2 large aubergines, cut into quarters and then wedges
    * 2 red peppers, cut into thin strips
    * 8 spring onions, 7 quartered lengthways, 1 finely sliced
    * 220g jar black bean sauce

METHOD Cook the rice according to pack instructions. Meanwhile, heat a wok and add the oil. When hot, stir-fry aubergines for ten to 12 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add peppers and spring onions, and stir-fry for about six minutes until just tender. Add the black bean sauce and 2 tbsp water and warm through. Serve with the basmati rice, scattered with finely sliced spring onion.

INGREDIENTS

    * 2 tbsp sunflower oil
    * 1 large onion, chopped
    * Large piece ginger, crushed
    * 4 garlic cloves, crushed
    * ½ red chilli, finely chopped

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Passion Fruit Pound Cake

Makes one 9-inch loaf

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan

1½ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powderm

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