TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2004 TODAY’S QUOTE ... “As in the fine arts, the progress of mankind from barbarism to civilisation is marked by a gradual succession of triumphs over the rude materialities of nature, so in the art of cookery is the progress gradual from the earliest and simplest modes, to those of the most complicated and refined.” Isabella Beeton (1836-1865) The Book of Household Management (1861) TODAY IN FOOD HISTORY * National Mocha Torte Day 1838 Thomas Andrew Knight died. British horticulturist and botanist who experimented with geotropism, phototropism and heliotropism. 1886 W. Marshall patented a 'grain binder.' 1946 The first CARE packages for survivors of WW II in Europe arrive at Le Havre, France. (Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe). DID YOU KNOW? - Food Trivia The Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora and M.jaboticaba) is an edible tropical fruit of the myrtle family, native to Brazil. A small, slow growing tree, it may take 8 or more years before it bears fruit, and it has a unique fruiting habit. The small yellowish flowers appear in groups of four, directly on the main trunk and larger limbs of the tree, from the ground up. After flowering, the fruit develops quickly, sometimes in as few as 3 weeks. The fruits look like purple grapes, with grape-like flesh and flavor. and in celebration of nat'l mocha torte day, let's keep it simple..... MOCHA TORTE 1 chocolate cake mix FILLING: 1/2 c. chocolate chips 2 tbsp. hot water 2 tsp. instant coffee powder 1/4 c. white sugar 1/2 pt. whipping cream Prepare cake mix and bake in two 8 inch round pans. Split each layer into 2. Prepare mocha cream by combining chips, water, coffee powder and sugar in a saucepan. Heat and stir until smooth. Cool. Whip cream until it starts to thicken. Add chocolate mixture and whip until stiff. Spread between layers and on top of torte. Chill at least 1 hour. Decorate with shaved chocolate. Serves 10 to 12.
