The Old Foodie: Whey,What?

The Old Foodie: Whey,What?: "I came across a rather odd definition in the venerable Oxford English Dictionary recently, and I am hoping, once again, for your valuable in..."

Flu Shot Time

Part of my "organic living" philosophy includes avoiding disease and illness whenever possible.

Last year I watchd with great interest as the H1N1 "swine" flu began to make news headlines late spring of 2009. It had all the earmarks of a worldwide pandemic, and ultimately it was classified as a pandemic.  But then it slowed down, and for most of us, we were affected in a minor way.  Now that it seems to be gone, we don't have anything to worry about, right?

Not so fast.

We actually dodged a bullet with H1N1, and we may not be totally over it yet. H1N1 is a version of the flu that has the ability to alter itself; changing quickly from being contagious among just birds or pigs, to suddenly becoming transferred to humans, and being spread rapidly and with great morbidity.

Anyone who contracted H1N1 will tell you that it was a frightening flu.  Most of them were young, vigorous, and healthy.  All these characteristics should have made them impervious to contracting the flu. Instead it targeted these very healthy young people, and even more frightening, it targeted pregnant mothers.

So, should you get your flu shot?

Yes.

This year's shot has three strains of the flu, including H1N1.

We may have dodged the horrific pandemic that CDC and the World Health Organization is predicting, but just because it didn't happen this past year, don't get complacent.  A pandemic is still possible, and the very best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to take advantage of the very best science has to offer.  The flu shot may not be perfect, but it saves hundreds of thousands of lives a year.  You or your loved one may be one of those saved.

Please get your flu shot.

Apple Scone Cake

I made this Apple Scone Cake from a recipe I got some years ago, and I can't track it down.  When I do, I'll let you know who originated the idea.

Anyway, I use this when I need to use up some apples, or when I want something hot, sweet, and gooey for breakfast, or something cold, sweet, and gooey with my tea in the afternoon.

First I make my basic scone recipe, divide it in two, place the apples inbetween the two layers and bake until it is warm and gooey.  Something about the word "gooey" is appealing to me today.

Ingredients:

• 2-3/4 c. flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla sugar from yesterday's post would do very nicely
• 2 eggs, divided
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 cups cubed apples
• scant 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Directions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Blend in the butter, I use a fork and mix until it is well incorporated.
3. Add 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk into the center of the flour mixture and beat slightly.
4. Add milk and make a very soft dough-like batter, but take care not to mix too much.
5. Divide the batter in two and press one half into the bottom of a glass baking dish.
6. Top with the cubed apples, sprinkle with just a little additional sugar and use your fingers to sprinkle the very tiny bit of cloves on top.  You just want a hint of clove.
7. Cover with the remaining batter, and spread it over the top as well as you can.  
8. Brush with the remaining egg white and sprinkle the top with coarse sugar that you can get at cake decorating shops.
9. Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes.  
10. Serve warm with cream.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is something you should always have around. It makes the easiest topping for crepes or Swedish pancakes.

There's no excuse not to!  It's easy to make and keeps for a year.

Mix 2 - 4 cups regular white sugar with 1 - 2 vanilla beans.

Store in a jar.

That's it!

What I like to do is to go shopping for really pretty glass jars with lids.  As a gift to someone, I will put vanilla sugar in the jar, with instructions on how to use it, and how to replenish it.

 Here is what I put on my labels.  I then add a little stamp or pretty embellishment. Punch a hole in it and tie it around the jar with a red ribbon. It's always a welcome gift.

Vanilla Sugar

Use in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate,

For baking or as a 

finishing touch on cookies or cakes!

This sugar can be kept for a year

and topped off as it is used.

After a year, 

replace the vanilla pod.