Remember that many popular cake mix brands contain trans-fats (partially hydrogenated oils). The FDA has determined trans-fats to be unhealthful and has banned their use in food products. There's a 3 year phase out. The below linked article notes that it's expected the ban will reduce deaths from heart disease by thousands of people each year. That's significant. Maybe not in regular grocery stores, but there are mixes available with less dangerous ingredients. Trans-fat ban article

I agree, it is that easy. I took a cheese making class at a local dairy and make both ricotta and mozzarella as well as yogurt. As FOAS mentioned, it doesn't make much, given the amount of milk used and as also mentioned, you don't actually "dip" the curds but you want to be gentle with them and not break them up any more than necessary. Annie

I love Indian food. Here are a few recipes that I've been making for over 25 years. Easy recipes. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table ============================ Chicken pieces (Legs and thighs)Remove Skin 2 large onions 2 cloves of garlic 1 inch piece of ginger root 4 black or 8 green cardamom pods 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon cumin (or more to taste) 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 cups chicken broth salt pepper fresh cilantro . Saute the onions in vegetable oil (about 1/4 cup). Cook until they turn light brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add garlic, ginger and the spices. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes over low heat. Do not burn. Add chicken and cook turning to coat well with the spices. Add the tomatoes and some chicken broth. Cover and cook until chicken is tender. Serve with Basmati rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Cauliflower And Potatoes In A Spicy Curry Sauce =============================================== 1 small head of cauliflower 3 russett potatoes 1/2 cup oil 1 small onion chopped 1 clove of garlic minced 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin powder 2 tablespoons ground coriander 1/4 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 to 2 teaspoons grated ginger 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned) 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth Fresh chopped coriander (Same as cilantro) . Break cauliflower into about 1 1/2 inch pieces. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch pieces Heat the oil over medium heat and when hot add the onions and saute until golden, add garlic and cumin seeds. Cook for a minute or two. Do not burn. Add the rest of the spices. Stir and add the potatoes and the cauliflower. Toss with the spices and cook for a few minutes and then add the grated ginger, tomatoes and chicken broth. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Turn off heat and add chopped coriander (cilantro leaves) Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Mung Bean and Cauliflower Stew ============================== Adapted from: Classic Indian Cooking by: Julia Sahni I have substituted different lentils for the mung beans. 1 cup yellow split mung beans (moong dal) 2/3 cups finely chopped onions 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/3 teaspoon turmeric 3 medium sized potatoes, peeled and quartered 1/3 small cauliflower cut into 1 1/2 inch flowerets, about 2 1/2 to 3 cups 1 tablespoon kosher salt Chicken broth For TADKA 12 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh coriander (Same as cilantro) leaves chopped. . Put the mung beans in a deep pot along with chopped onions, ginger, and 3 cups chicken broth. Add turmeric, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes or until the mung beans are cooked but are still very firm. Add potatoes, cauliflower, salt, and 2 more cups of broth and cook for an addition 15 minutes or until the vegetable are tender and the beans are thoroughly cooked. To make the Tadka Heat the Ghee or oil over high heat in a frying pan. When it is very hot, add cumin seeds, and fry until they turn brown (about 15 seconds). Add red pepper, stir for a moment and immediately pour the contents of the frying pan into the stew. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. Stir well to mix. Check for salt and serve. I usually serve this with Basmati rice and chapati (Indian Bread). Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table ======= 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup all purpose flour salt 1 cup warm water extra flour for dusting rolling surface Note: Recipe can be adjusted. Just keep the ratio of whole wheat flour and all purpose flour at 2 to 1. ie. 1 cup whole wheat, 1/2 cup all purpose. . Place flour in food processor and add salt. Mix well. Slowly add warm water and process until flour forms a soft dough. Knead in the machine for 50 to 60 seconds. Wrap in plastic and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes. Knead dough again and divide into equal size balls , approximately 20 to 24 depending on size. Dust with flour and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Roll each ball into a thin 7 to 8 inch circle. Heat heavy frying pan and place chapati on pan and bake until small brown spots appear. Flip over being careful not to puncture. Cook of flip side and then remove and place directly on to the gas flame. Bread will puff up. If you don't have a gas burner then skip this process. Butter Chapatis, roll and wrap in a clean teatowel and place in low oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining Breads.

Based off this recipe and modified for maximum efficiency: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/06/miso-glazed-salmon-in-the-toaster-oven-recipe.html Miso salmon take a 1/4 or 1/3 cup measure and put one scoop of sugar in a gallon ziplock bag. Use the same measure to measure miso, then an equal amount of white wine and add to the bag (order is important to avoid dirtying more than one cup measure). Add a good slug of olive oil and a good slug of soy sauce. Seal the bag and mush it around until the miso and the sugar dissolve. Add salmon to bag. I use the frozen wild filets from Costco, no need to thaw or remove the skin. Marinate in fridge until the filets are thawed (I do this in the am or night before, either works. If not using frozen filets probably only needs to marinate 30 min or so) Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, let the excess marinade drip off and put salmon under the broiler til done (about 4-5 minutes). Serve with rice and steamed broccoli or asparagus.