Food Photography From the Days of Yore

Attaching the moniker “vintage” to something usually imparts a sought-after sophistication, i.e. vintage gowns, vintage cars and so on.  Apparently, its powers do not extend to food.  Enter Gee That Food Looks Terrible!, a Flikr site cataloging photos of once-popular dishes from the 50s, 60s and 70s.  Gelled meat with remoulade sauce, anyone?  How about broiled ham and lima bean casserole?

I suppose with items like cherpumple, (an artery-clogging combo of cherry pie, apple pie and pumpkin pie baked into a three-layer cake and topped with frosting) gracing contemporary tables the site will have enough content to last through the next few decades.

Posted by Abby

Homemade Chocolate Cake…in a Microwave?

For those readers watching their waist line, I am sorry.

For those readers with a sweet tooth, you are welcome.

Believe it or not, chocolate cake made in a microwave exists! And no, I’m not talking about the Sara Lee microwaveable treats from the grocery store. When a friend recently introduced me to what I thought was impossible, I was rather shocked at how simple and good the end result was. With a coffee mug, a few ingredients and five minutes on your hands, you too can have homemade chocolate cake anytime you desire!

What you will need:

• 1 coffee mug or microwave-safe container
• 4 tablespoons of flour
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of baking cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 3 tablespoons of oil
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla
• Chocolate chips (helps with flavoring)

What you will do:

1. In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar and baking cocoa together.
2. Add the egg; mix thoroughly.
3. Add the milk and oil; mix thoroughly.
4. Add the vanilla and some chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into the mug.
6. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Naturally, the cake will rise! Poke a fork or toothpick through the center to make sure it is cooked. If not, microwave for an additional minute.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the microwave for a few minutes.
8. Eat!

For a larger cake, adjust the ingredients and time in the microwave. Again, I’m sorry and you are welcome. Enjoy!

Posted by Justin