Cambridge opens holiday season with annual tasting tea

Monday, December 1, 2003

CAMBRIDGE -- The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce's annual "Holiday Tasting Tea" will be Friday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

During the tasting tea -- the official opening of the community's Christmas season -- shoppers can visit participating Cambridge businesses and sample a different holiday goodie at each.

A cookbook of all the recipes will be available for $2, at the Cambridge Telephone Company, First Central Bank and First National Bank.

The theme of the event is "It's a Wonderful Life," and door prizes will be given away.

Medicine Creek Bank will offer "Pina Colada Popcorn":

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup thawed frozen pineapple juice concentrate

1/2 tsp. rum extract

1 bag butter or light butter microwave popcorn, popped

1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, toasted

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter until melted. Stir in sugar, corn syrup, pineapple juice concentrate and rum extract. Microwave on high until mixture boils, about three minutes, stirring once. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes without stirring.

In a large, shallow microwave-safe baking dish, combine popped popcorn and toasted coconut. Slowly pour in juice mixture, stirring to mix. Place in microwave oven and microwave on 75 percent power approximately 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.

Turn popcorn onto waxed paper or aluminum foil and allow to cool completely. Break apart and store in tightly-covered container.

Makes about 3 1/2 quarts.

MEXICAN TORTILLA SOUP

Tri Valley Health System

Downtown Center

1 lb. ground beef

2 16-oz. jars Taco BellŪ or any brand thick-and-chunky salsa

2 14 1/2-oz. cans beef broth

1 7-oz. can whole kernel corn, undrained

tortilla chips, crushed

Mexican-style shredded cheese

Brown meat in a large saucepan and drain.

Add salsa, broth and corn; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Serve topped with crushed chips and cheese.

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