QUESTION: I baked a chocolate cake from scratch and put a baking sheet underneath just in case the batter leaked out of the pan. I baked it for about half an hour and tested it with a knife to see if the knife came out clean; it did. When I sliced the cake after it had cooled, the middle section was still sticky and doughy. What a mess! Is there anyway to save this cake or is it garbage? Luanna, Snow Lake, Man.
ANSWER: Throwing out a plate of chocolate is like throwing out a plate of happiness; it's just so sad. Here are two ideas that will save your dessert. Make a trifle. Chop up the entire chocolate cake into bite-size nuggets of goodness. Place the pieces into a large glass bowl. Add chocolate pudding, cut up strawberries and whipped cream. Garnish with shaved chocolate. Second idea; cut out the centre of the cake to make a ring cake. Melt chocolate chips or chocolate squares in a double boiler. Pour onto the top of the cake ring, allowing the chocolate to run down both sides of the cake. After the chocolate has hardened, serve. I think I just heard my stomach growl.
QUESTION: White rings were left on my dark green plastic laminate countertop caused by a crystal deodorant stone being placed on it. Just wondering if you have a solution to remove the rings. Thanks, Dale, Selkirk
ANSWER: Unless something bleached the countertop, this should be a snap to remove. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Leave for 30 minutes and wipe.
QUESTION: I have inherited two Orrefors (Swedish) crystal glass decanters. They have a whitish filmy residue inside them, I suppose from wine or liqueurs being left sitting in them over the years. I have tried swishing CLR around the inside, then rinsing. I think this helped a bit but there is still some filmy residue. How can I get rid of this? Thank you so much. Liz, Winnipeg
ANSWER: There may not be anything that you can do to wash away the etching. Etching occurs when layers of glass are eaten away by acid. If too many layers of glass are affected then the etching is there to stay. Soak etched decanters in either undiluted white vinegar for 15 minutes or hot water and citric acid. Gently wipe the decanters with an abrasive pad. If the film remains, the condition is permanent.
QUESTION: I have been wondering about this for many years. Is it possible to remove the enamel-like printing from glass jars and bottles? Several years ago I bought six storage container-like jars of macaroni. These are great containers in which to store various dried products, but they all (of course) have a large printed or stamped "paint label" saying i.e. "Macaroni" on them. Is there anything you know of which could remove this baked-on paint (or whatever it consists of)? Many thanks in advance. I always read and enjoy your column in the Free Press. Lesley, Winnipeg
ANSWER: This is a risky project, therefore you may want to take the jars to a glass professional and have the lettering buffed out. The jars could end up becoming scratched; therefore if you are up to a do-it-yourself project, test on an inconspicuous area first. In a ventilated area, spray the jars with WD40. Using a razor blade (there are razor blades specifically designed to use on glass) gently scrape away the lettering. If the lettering has been successfully removed, use an abrasive cloth and scrub the area with dish soap and water to wipe away remaining paint. Razor blade tools for cleaning glass cook tops are often found where appliances are sold. It would be much easier to use waterproof decals and cover the lettering instead of removing it.
Feedback from Manitoban Who Cares:
Regarding the article: How to clean the grout on ceramic tile. How can one make a paste of liquid laundry detergent and water? Renee
Thank you Renee! The article should have read powdered laundry detergent and water, not liquid.
Chocolate Party Hosting Tips:
-- Begin by purchasing a variety of chocolates i.e. dark chocolate, white chocolate, (although this is not "real" chocolate) semi sweet, milk chocolate, bitter chocolate, raspberry chocolate, pomegranate, orange or coconut chocolate and the list can go on and on.
-- Table Display Idea: Choose a large table and decorate with a red tablecloth and lace overlay or paper doilies or another colour that will make the chocolates stand out.
-- Make little cards so that guests know what kind of chocolates they are eating.
-- Plan for at least six different kinds of chocolate and budget half ounce of each variety per guest.
-- Make a nice display of chocolate bars and boxes, perhaps a chocolate tower or a chocolate fountain.
-- Display chocolate cookbooks or chocolate magazines on the table.
-- Purchase extra chocolate so that you do not run out.
-- How to taste: Pick up chocolate and smell. Next hold the bite of chocolate in your mouth and allow it to melt. Doing this will help distinguish all the flavours on your tongue.
-- Serve warm light tea, for palette cleansing between tasting.
-- Make take home chocolate treats wrapped in cellophane paper and ribbon.
OK now I'm really hungry!
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
