Monday, May 27, 2013

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

Can't beat this lovely sticky caramel pudding recipe turned into a rich and moist cake. Smother it with toffee or caramel sauce for a decadent treat. Everyone who tries it will definitely want seconds.

If you like caramel try the recipe in Tastes & Treasures for Caramel Custard Flan found on page 85. The flan recipe was given to the Historical League by historic El Chorro Lodge.

Sticky Caramel Pudding Recipe
Pudding Ingredients:
8 ounces pitted dates, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Pudding Directions:
Spray an 8-inch (20 cm) square metal baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, the baking soda and boiling water. Let it stand for about 30 minutes or until it is cooled to room temperature.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Add the brown sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla to the date mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat it for 2 minutes, until blended (the mixture will appear slightly curdled). Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. Mix again for 15 to 30 seconds until blended.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Set the pan on a wire rack. Poke holes all over the top of the cake with a toothpick. Pour 1/2 cup of the toffee or caramel sauce over the cake. Let it cool in the pan on rack for 10 minutes.

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup whipping (35%) cream, at room temperature 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce Directions:
In a small heavy saucepan, heat granulated sugar, stirring constantly, over medium heat until sugar is a dark caramel-colored liquid. Remove from heat and while whisking, carefully pour in cream.
Stir in the vanilla.
Makes 2 cups 
Tips: When heating, the granulated sugar will change from solid crystals to the consistency of wet sand to light amber liquid to dark liquid.
Make sure the cream is not chilled or it will splatter and seize the sauce.


To serve, cut the cake into squares and serve warm with the remaining sauce.

Store the cooled cake in the refrigerator in a cake keeper, or loosely wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. Warm cake, wrapped loosely in foil, in a 350°F oven before serving.
BY cookingnook.com

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Historic buildings in Balboa Park

Mary Garbaciak tells us about the amazing architecture in San Diego on the Historical League tour.  "Due to wear and weather tear - Balboa Park buildings have been restored (to the tune of millions of dollars) to their original design.

After lunch on Tuesday, May 7th,  Jeff Guersey from the Gas Lamp Historical Foundation, gave us a wonderful walking tour of the restored Victorian & Historical Builldings in the GasLamp District.  I took a picture of the Yuma Building."

Tour guide Jeff Guersey

Yuma Building

Gaslamp District

This is the only original building that hasn't been duplicated in architect.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Goodbye to Kyle McKoy, AHS Museum Director

Enthusiastic, Engaging, Enchanting and (E)Luminating . . . Kyle McKoy has been a breathe of fresh air for AHS Museum at Papago Park. Members of the Historical League hosted a farewell luncheon at Phoenix Country Club to say "Good bye" to a lovely lady. She will be greatly missed.

Interim director is Linda Whitaker, our very capable head of Library and Archives. We will continue to move forward at the museum but miss those wonderful people we have worked with in the past.

Thanks for the great memories, Kyle. Indianapolis Historical Society Museum is lucky to have you.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Healthy Fruited Popsicles

Summer is coming and nothing beats the heat like frozen popsicles. The kids will love this treat and can help make the icy delights.

Another yummy fruit dish is Yogurt Parfait from The Hassayampa Inn. Recipe on page 52 in Tastes & Treasures cookbook.

Healthy Fruited Popsicles

Ingredients:
3 cups watermelon puree (seedless if possible)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1 peach or nectarine, diced small
handful fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

Directions:
Cut the watermelon into chunks and then puree it in a blender until smooth. Set aside.

Set out about 1 dozen popsicle molds (amount needed will vary depending on size of molds). Fill each one with the chopped fresh fruit. Then pour in the watermelon puree until each mold is full to the top. Place a popsicle stick into each one. Place into your freezer and freeze for about 6 to 8 hours.

When ready to serve, run the popsicle molds under warm water for a few seconds and then pull each one out.

from Heather Thomas on FB

Monday, May 20, 2013

Balboa Park tour

Linda Wegener, Mary Garbaciak, Kim Duclo, Barbara Cardinal and Karen Swanson enjoy the day.
Tour chair Mary Garbaciak tells us about the Balboa Park ranger Kim Duclo.

"Last fall I first contacted various personnel at Balboa Park - ALL of them recommended Kim for our tours - "he is definitely the best".  But he wasn't available for our dates.  However, while we were touring the archives a ranger came into the area and Jane Kenealy immediately said to me "that is the person who you want for your tours".  I asked her if that was "Kim" and she said, "Yes." I asked him if he was available for tours today and he said, "Sure".  He took us on an hour tour (before lunch at El Prado) and then after lunch he picked up a few of us who wanted to continue picking his brain.  Other ladies had made other plans due to, originally, having the afternoon free to explore.  Kim had the keys to take five of us behind the historical organ pavilion to show us pictures and articles of history makers for this incredible building!"

Friday, May 17, 2013

"Constitution USA " and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor at AHS

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will be on hand for the screening of 'Constitution USA'.

Monday, May 20 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Special Guest will be Catherine Allan, Executive Producer of PBS Constitution USA. There will also be an appearance by former U.S. Marines the Arizona Leathernecks MC. Constitution USA mixes legal issues with a shot of comedy.

Registration: 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.;
Constitution USA screening: 6:30 p.m.;
“Taste of America” Reception: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person. Free parking at the museum.

This event is a joint sponsorship between the O’Connor House and the Arizona Historical Society. For tickets and more information, contact the O’Connor House at 602-730-3300 or info@oconnorhouse.org or visit www.oconnorhouse.org/.

AHS Museum at Papago Park, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 Phone: 480-929-9499.
  


 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Wonderful Recognition Luncheon

Paradise Valley Country Club was the beautiful setting for the luncheon arranged by Delores Tomasek and Sharon Montegary. Guest speaker was Yuma's walking promotion, Tina Clark and she had so much to say about the area. Port Yuma was bustling in the 1800's with the Colorado River flowing into the Gila River, Yuma Territorial Prison, Riverboats coming from the Sea of Cortez . . . Her power point presentation showed us so much history! And so much happening in this century with agriculture. As Tina said, "Next time you are in Yuma, stop for more than gas."
Delores Tomasek welcomes the Historical League members.

Tina Clark presentation was "All Trails Lead to Yuma".

Nancy Evans quips with Tina Clark. Nancy brought the fabulous bromeliad centerpieces.

Linda Cathey accepts the Presidency for 2013-2014 from Past-President 2012-13 Pam Ryan.
Advisor and Past-President 2011-2012 Sharron McKinney passes the "symbolic" gavel.