Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Chinese Almond Custard

3/4 c water
1/4 c sugar
1 envelope unflavoured gelatin
1 c milk
1 t almond extract
2 11-oz cans Mandarin oranges, undrained

Heat water, sugar, and gelatin to boiling, stirring occasionally, until sugar and gelatin are dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in milk and almond extract. Pour into 9"x5" loaf pan. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.

To serve: Cut into 1" squares or diamonds. Serve with undrained fruit. If Mandarin oranges aren't available, canned sliced peaches, with slices cut in half, can be substituted.

Serves 4 to 6.

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This is a very light, cool dessert for a very hot day, or to end a very rich meal. It's nice and refreshing. I don't remember where I got it, but I do have a similar recipe in one of my Chinese cookbooks, so I know it's authentic. Also, I chill the fruit before serving so the gelatin doesn't melt as fast. Almost every time I make it and serve it to guests, they think it's tofu until they taste it!

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
2 c sugar
2 c (3 medium) shredded zucchini*
1 c oil
2 t vanilla
3 c Pillsbury's Best® All Purpose or Unbleached Flour**
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)
1 t salt
1 t soda
1 t baking powder
2 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1/4 t cloves

Heat oven to 325F. Grease (not oil) bottoms only of 2 9"x5" or 8"x4" pans. In large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Stir in sugar, zucchini, oil, and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients; by hand blend well. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 325F for 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool completely. Makes 2 loaves.

*Young tender zucchini need not be peeled or seeded.
**Self-rising flour is not recommended.

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I've never made this with nuts, but they are in the original recipe from Pillsbury Kitchens' Family Cookbook. The bread makes a wonderful Christmas present. If you make smaller loaves, and this recipe makes 4, then you can wrap them in colourful cellophane and give them as gifts. The bread is also great to take to events and parties, especially in the smaller loaves. And it makes a great housewarming gift.