Alcohol in cooking?
My doctor told me I cannot consume any alcohol. Many of my favorite recipes call for wine. How much really cooks out?
Name withheld on request
Not much, actually. We consulted our favorite food scientist, Harold McGee. His book, “On Food and Cooking,” explains it this way: Stews that simmer for hours retain about 5 percent of the alcohol added before cooking. Quickly cooked dishes retain 10 to 50 percent of the alcohol, and flambes, as much as 75 percent. For more, check out ochef , where you’ll find a chart that says 85 percent of the alcohol remains when it’s added to boiling liquid and removed from the heat.
Much e-mailed recipe
This really works. We tried it here at The Denver Post.
Dangerous Chocolate Mug Cake
Why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night.
Ingredients
1 regular-sized coffee cup
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional, but makes it taste best)
Some nuts (optional)
Small splash of vanilla
Directions
Add dry ingredients to mug, mix well. Add egg, and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil, mix well. Add chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla. Mix again.
Microwave for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
Eat! (Serves two if you want to share.)
