Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 21, 1993 TAG: 9304210037
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TONI BURKS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
It's difficult to fool Mother Nature; that's why scientists and food processors have been more successful at formulating cholesterol-reduced alternatives after the eggs are laid. But what are the differences among all the products?
\ Simply Eggs: So far, this is the closest to real eggs. A liquid egg product that contains 45 milligrams of cholesterol in the equivalent of one egg (which has 213 milligrams of cholesterol), Simply Eggs is made by adding cyclodextrin, a type of cornstarch, to the yolks of separated eggs. As the mixture is run through a centrifuge, the cyclodextrin encapsulates most of the cholesterol and removes it. The yolks are then reunited with the whites, and the liquid is pasteurized. Like a regular egg, a quarter-cup serving contains 70 calories and 5 grams of fat.
\ Second Nature: There's no cholesterol in this product because it's made from egg whites. Added to the pasteurized whites are water, nonfat dry milk, modified food starch, corn oil, a bunch of food additives, and vitamins and minerals to replace those in the yolk. Beta carotene gives the product its yellow color. A serving (the equivalent of a whole egg) has 60 calories and 2 grams of fat.
\ Scramblers: This egg-white product has no cholesterol, but is made with "artificial egg flavor." A serving contains 60 calories and 3 grams of fat.
\ Egg Beaters: This familiar egg-white standby is made with artificial colorings - yellow 5 and 6. A serving contains 25 calories and no fat.
\ Better 'n Eggs: Similar to Egg Beaters, but with beta carotene instead of artificial coloring, this is made by the same company that makes Scramblers and contains 25 calories per serving with no fat.
\ Healthy Choice: ConAgra's version of an egg substitute has no preservatives or artificial ingredients: It's 98 percent egg whites, plus corn oil, beta carotene, an emulsifier and vitamins and minerals. There's also no water added. A serving contains 30 calories and less than 1 gram of fat. - The Washington Post
\ DID YOU KNOW . . . The average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter sandwiches before graduating from high school. - Los Angeles Times
\ MARKET SHOPPING Spring is finally breaking through, and farmers say it's still possible to get crops from cool weather growers such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. There are lots of plants available this week, and if the ground is dry enough the veggies need to be set out. Look, too, for onion plants and sets, berry plants.
Cucumbers, squash and pepper plants join tomatoes as the items that do their best in warmer soil and temperatures. Farmers caution that home gardeners should be ready with some protection for these plants if there is a nighttime chill. Potted patio tomatoes are available, too.
Petunias, pansies, begonias, geraniums and marigolds are but a few of the annual flowers that are in abundance. Perennials and herbs in a wide choice are available as well. Foliage and flowering plants in hanging baskets are also plentiful.
Greens, potatoes, asparagus, farm-fresh eggs, country meats, jams, jellies, preserves, pickles, canned goods, seasoning blends, herb vinegars, baked goods, apples, dried apples, sassafras and horseradish are some of the food items. Of course, there are tomatoes, green beans, squash, onions, peppers and strawberries from warmer growing areas.
\ MICROWAVE IT No coals needed for these barbecue-style chicken drumsticks because they're cooked in a microwave oven. Because microwave ovens cook from the outside in, be sure to arrange the meatiest parts of the drumsticks toward the outside edge of the dish. That way, they cook at the same rate as the thin, bony ends in the center.
For cooking, cover the drumsticks loosely with waxed paper. If you cover the drumsticks too tightly (with plastic wrap or a casserole lid), they will steam or stew, instead of bake.
Honey-barbecue drumsticks
1/4 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
8 chicken drumsticks, skinned
In 1-cup glass measuring cup combine barbecue sauce, honey and juice concentrate. Rinse drumsticks; pat dry with paper towels. Place microwave-safe rack in 12x7 1/2x2-in. baking dish. Arrange drumsticks with meatiest part toward outside of dish. Brush chicken with sauce; cover loosely with waxed paper. Cook on high (100 percent power) for 5 minutes. Turn dish; brush chicken with sauce. Cook 5 to 10 minutes more or until no longer pink.
To check doneness, cut to the bone at the thick end of one piece. If you see any pink meat or red juices, cook for 1 minute more and check again. Cook any remaining sauce, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until bubbly. Carefully spoon hot sauce over chicken. Makes 4 servings. - Associated Press
\ HELP!!! DEAR SOS: I have lost my recipe for candied sweet potatoes. Can you help? - LITA
DEAR LITA: With pleasure.
Candied sweet potatoes\ 4 medium or 6 small sweet potatoes
Salt
2 Tbsps. butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Cook sweet potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 minutes. Remove from water and cool. Melt butter and maple syrup in baking pan. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-in. thick slices. Arrange in 2 layers in pan. Soak each slice well with melted butter-maple syrup mixture. Cover pan with foil. Bake at 450 degrees 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer. Makes 4 servings. - Los Angeles Times
\ PLUMPED UP Make raisins and currants juicier by rehydrating them before adding to recipes. Just add boiling water to cover - or orange juice and maybe even a splash of spirits and let the raisins or currants stand for 5 minutes.
To plump them in the microwave oven, place the raisins in a microwave-safe 1 1/2-quart casserole. Add an equal amount of liquid. Cover and heat on high (100 percent power) until boiling, allowing 1 to 3 minutes for 1/2 cup or 3 to 5 minutes for 1 cup of raisins or currants. Drain the plumped fruit before adding it to a recipe. - Associated Press
by CNB