Round hamburger patties
Dear Heloise: My kids love it when their hamburger patties are round and not misshaped. Frankly, so do I. I take a large can of peaches and clean the bottom, then press it into the hamburger meat. It leaves an impression, which I cut around, and I have a nice round hamburger. — Cathy W., Parma, Ohio
WAR CAKE
Dear Heloise: Would you repeat your War Cake recipe? My husband loves it, but I misplaced the recipe. — Paula D., Royal Oak, Michigan
Paula, I get so many requests for this recipe from people who love the fact that there are no eggs in it. It’s quick and easy to make.
War Cake
Using a medium to large size cooking pot/pan, mix together 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups hot water and 2 teaspoons shortening. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup raisins, 1 teaspoon each of salt, cinnamon and cloves. Boil for 5 minutes after the mixture begins to bubble.
When the mixture is cold (and it must be cold), add 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda that has been dissolved in a teaspoon of hot water. Mix well.
Pour into a greased tube pan and bake for about 1 hour at 350-375 degrees.
Do you like desserts you can whip up in a short time? Or does anyone in your home have an allergy to eggs? This is an ideal recipe for just about anyone and takes very little time to make. You’ll love my pamphlet “Heloise’s Cake Recipes.” There are several unusual recipes that are fun and easy to prepare. To get a copy, just go to www.Heloise.com or send $3, along with a stamped, self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Cake, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.
Be sure to always test whether a cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If there is moist cake batter stuck to the toothpick, it needs a little more time in the oven.
MUSHY BERRIES
Dear Heloise: My strawberries always seem mushy after I wash and put them in the refrigerator. Am I doing something wrong? — Victoria C., Florence, Alabama
Victoria, don’t wash your berries before refrigerating them. Store them in a colander or plastic woven basket so that air can circulate around the berries. But be sure to wash them before eating them. — Heloise
