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Molasses is underrated and underused, at least in my kitchen. If I really think about it, to date I’ve used it four times in my life. Recently I have discovered some wonderful recipes that will certainly give it more prominence in my kitchen from now on.
I remember my grandmother having molasses in her kitchen. She used it frequently enough that I think of my grandmother every time I see a jar of molasses. My grandmother lived in “The South” where it is considerably more popular than this area, which might explain the prominence in her cooking.
Molasses is the byproduct of making sugar from either sugar canes or sugar beets. The sugar canes are ground up and squeezed, and then juice is boiled. All of the pure sugar is removed and what is left is molasses.
Young sugarcane doesn’t yield as much sugar unless sulfur is added to the processing, while older sugarcane doesn’t require the addition of sulfur which results in the end product being “unsulfured” molasses.
The first boiling and removal of sugar crystals produces the by product called “first” or “mild” molasses, and the second boiling and sugar extraction results in “second” molasses which is darker in color. A third boiling finally creates blackstrap molasses. Sugar beet molasses is the byproduct of a one-time boiling process and is not as intensive a flavor as from sugar cane.
“Treacle” is a product popular in the United Kingdom and is processed similarly to molasses, but can be the byproduct of the manufacture of other sugars like carob, dates, grapes, mulberries, and pomegranate. It is also called golden syrup.
The root word for molasses is the Latin “mel,” meaning honey. The Portuguese word “melaco” is the first known reference to molasses and is the basis for our English word molasses.
In the 1600s molasses was the standard payment for slaves in a hugely profitable market system that was called “The Trianglar Trade” of slaves, molasses and rum. Slaves were purchased in West Africa, transported to the Caribbean where they were often sent to work in the sugarcane fields, molasses were then shipped wither to New England or Europe where it was distilled into rum.
The British crown wanted a piece of the action and enacted a stiff tax on molasses, a tax which was largely ignored by the colonies and was a contributing factor in the American Revolution.
In an effort to “sweeten the deal” Parliament lowered the tax in 1763 hoping that the lower tax would encourage colonists to pay it. We know how that turned out for them (not well; they lost and we became the United States).
Growing up in the United States when I did molasses popped up in my Saturday morning cartoons, accompanied by heavy racist comedy that passed by most people. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized what was being said. Looking back at these cartoons nowadays can be quite shocking compared to today’s pablum flavored animation.
The Uncle Remus tales told of Brer Rabbit, and he used molasses in his stories. To this day Brer Rabbit is still a brand name and his picture is found on bottles of molasses. Bugs Bunny would often say “What a maroon!” about Elmer Fudd, which, although it could be a play on the word “moron,” is actually a reference to freed blacks that established communities throughout the South and the Caribbean islands.
While Bugs Bunny starred in cartoons mocking the Japanese, Nazis and American Indians, the majority of his humor was at the expense of American and African blacks. Bugs Bunny would even wear black face in numerous skits. I also don’t understand Bugs Bunny’s constant cross-dressing – not that it bothered me, but he looked so hot as a woman. What’s that say about my psyche?
A bit more history: On Jan. 15, 1919, a 2,300,000 gallon tank full of molasses burst at the Purity Distilling Co. in Boston. The massive wave of molasses ended up killing 21 people, several horses and injuring 150 people. Some of the dead weren’t found for several days due to the thick brown syrup coating everything. It is said that to this day when conditions are right you can still smell the molasses in the air.
It has been unofficially called “The Boston Molassacre.” Bugs Bunny, in his unapologetic genre of humor, made reference to this event: When Elmer shot holes in Bugs’s mug full of molasses he looked at the viewer and said, “Funny. I never thought molasses would run in January.”
Blackstrap molasses is mostly used in industrial uses (the manufacturing of methanol, curing tobacco, and revitalization of soil and cattle feed for instance) although it is used as a panacea by some people due to its high manganese, copper, iron, calcium, potassium and low sugar content. It has been reported that blackstrap molasses can cure everything from acne to cancer. This homeopathic remedy hasn’t been proven but it evidently has strong proponents, strong enough to where I won’t make fun of them here. They get really touchy about it.
Molasses was the primary sweetener for the United States until the 20th century when the refining process made plain white sugar dirt cheap and affordable to everyone. Today it is used infrequently and usually only for its unique flavor. My wife uses molasses in a traditional Christmas cookie recipe, which is the only reason it has been in my kitchen until now.
My interest in molasses was piqued when I was at the Twin Pine Casino restaurant Manzanita, where I ordered the buffalo and mahogany wings appetizer. I never had mahogany wings before and thought that they were fantastic. They were so good that I just had to learn to make them at home.
Of the recipes I found and tested this one is what I found to be the best. Some recipes were mild and some were very hot, but everything is better with sriracha sauce! Adjust the hot sauce to your own taste.
Mahogany wings
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup honey
¼ cup molasses
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp ginger, crushed
1 tsp sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
10 cooked chicken wings (deep fried is best).
Mix the first six ingredients and heat in the microwave for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld. Pour the sauce in a bowl and add the chicken wings. Toss until well coated and serve.
Ross A. Christensen is an award-winning gardener and gourmet cook. He is the author of "Sushi A to Z, The Ultimate Guide" and is currently working on a new book. He has been a public speaker for many years and enjoys being involved in the community. Follow him on Twitter, http://twitter.com/Foodiefreak .
The forum will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Upper Lake High School cafeteria, 675 Clover Valley Road.
The forum will be divided into two parts, with candidates for the Upper Lake Elementary School District Board of Trustees from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the Upper Lake Union High School District Board of Trustees candidates from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Candidates appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot for the two districts include the following:
Upper Lake Union Elementary School District – Matt Barnes, Joanne Breton (incumbent), Don Meri (incumbent), Nicole Miller and Marilyn Pivniska (incumbent). Frank Hodge is a write-in candidate whose name will not appear on the ballot, according to the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office.
Upper Lake Union High School District – Valerie Duncan (incumbent), Glenn Koeppel, Claudine Pedroncelli and Ron Raetz (incumbent).
Interested citizens may submit questions for the high school candidates in advance to ULTA President Alex Stabiner at
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The 3.1 quake occurred at 11:46 p.m. Thursday, according to US Geological Survey records.
It was centered three miles east of The Geysers, three miles south southwest of Cobb and four miles west northwest of Anderson Springs at a depth of 2.5 miles, the US Geological Survey reported.
It was followed by 14 smaller earthquakes, ranging between magnitude 1.0 and 2.0, over the next 24 hours, according to the report.
Shake reports came in on the quake from Clearlake, Middletown, Kelseyville, as well as Healdsburg and Geyserville. The US Geological Survey also reported receiving a report from as far away as Salinas.
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St. Helena resident Mabel Johnson and her late husband Wayne have made an $8 million gift to the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. The Johnsons’ gift came through an irrevocable trust to benefit the hospital.
“My late husband Wayne and I cherish this community, which has been home for more than 80 years,” said Mabel Johnson, a volunteer at the hospital since 1996. “There are not many organizations that can benefit everyone, but St. Helena Hospital is one that can. Providing this gift was an ideal choice for us because the hospital is so central to the lives of so many residents.”
“Having an excellent hospital is a huge advantage not only for our local community but for the whole region as well,” Mabel Johnson said. “Without the best technology, you cannot attract the best doctors, and you can’t have a great hospital without great doctors.”
The Johnsons’ commitment to the community is to help maintain the most advanced technology at St. Helena Hospital through the future purchase of new medical equipment and information technology, said Elaine John, president and chief executive officer of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation.
“Mabel and Wayne’s extraordinary gift will help ensure that patients and families continue to experience the high quality health care rarely seen in a community of our size,” John said. “We owe them a great deal for their vision, planning and articulate giving.”
In recognition of their generosity, the hospital is naming its newest building the Johnson Pavilion. The 24,000-square-foot structure, which will be completed this fall, will house the Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center and the Pavilion Surgery Center.
“We are overwhelmed and forever grateful,” said Terry Newmyer, president and chief executive officer of St. Helena Hospital. “The Johnsons’ exceptional generosity will benefit our community for many years to come. Their spirit of community involvement is a model for us all.”
Mabel and Wayne Johnson were married in 1942, soon after graduating from St. Helena High School. Both retired from long careers with the local PG&E office. Wayne died in 2001.
Mabel Johnson has logged more than 3,500 hours at St. Helena Hospital. She currently manages the hospital’s Volunteer Project Center.
St. Helena Hospital serves Napa, Lake, Solano, Sonoma and Mendocino counties with cardiovascular, orthopedic, emergency, surgical and behavioral health care.
The hospital was established in 1878 and today is widely recognized as one of the best heart and vascular centers in the North Bay. St. Helena Hospital is opening a 24,000-square-foot cancer center and surgery pavilion in fall 2009, funded by $26 million in community contributions. Last year, the hospital performed over 90,000 outpatient procedures and cared for 5,500 inpatients.
For more information, visit www.sthelenahospital.org .
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Thomas Loyd Dudney, 59, was arraigned in Lake County Superior Court for charges in connection with the Tuesday attack on Lakeport resident Ronald Greiner, 49.
Deputies and Lakeport Police found Greiner shot, beaten and hogtied outside of his Lakeport home Tuesday morning. Despite his injuries, Greiner was able to identify a suspect alleged to be Dudney, as Lake County News has reported.
Dudney, the only suspect arrested in the case so far, is facing a battery of charges, according to District Attorney Jon Hopkins.
The charges against Dudney include premeditated attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, torture, home invasion robbery in concert with another, first degree burglary with a person at home, assault with a firearm, assault with a blunt force object, assault likely to cause great bodily injury and serious battery, Hopkins said.
He said there also are special allegations of use of a firearm, which could add 25 years to life if he's convicted, and great bodily injury.
Premeditated attempted murder, aggravated mayhem and torture all carry life sentences on conviction, Hopkins said.
Defense attorney Doug Rhoades has been assigned to defend Dudney. He said he's read the accounts in the local media of the incident for which Dudney has been arrested, but emphasized that the media isn't where cases are to be tried.
“Until such time as Mr. Dudney is adjudicated by a court of law as guilty, he remains innocent of all charges, regardless of the accusations that are pending against him,” Rhoades said.
So far, Hopkins hasn't made allegations about Dudney's extensive prior criminal record for the purpose of alleging previous strikes. Dudney was released from state prison last year after serving nine years on a drug charge, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Records.
Investigators are still working on identifying another suspect in the case, and reports continue to come in, Hopkins said.
Dudney initially was held on $100,000 bail. However, Hopkins said on Thursday he asked the judge to put a no-bail hold on Dudney until a hearing is held due to the seriousness of the threat and his previous record.
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On Thursday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that a total of $717 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and state funding has been awarded or approved for loan for 160 water projects throughout California to date – for the purpose of stimulating the California economy, saving and creating jobs and protecting public health and the environment.
Projects awarded funding or loans range from Del Norte County in the north to San Diego County and from the Pacific shore to the Nevada state line.
The Kelseyville district, managed by Lake County Special Districts, will receive approximately $3,775,108, the Governor's Office reported.
In Mendocino County, the Covelo Community Services District received $1.3 million for wastewater treatment plant improvements and $149,450 went to the Mendocino County Department of Transportation for a feasibility study on a low water crossing.
Napa County received more than $3.7 million, including $2.25 million for a water treatment plant in its Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District and just over $977,000 for the Napa River's Rutherford reach restoration.
More than $3.9 million went to Sonoma County for well replacement and safe drinking water projects.
Other neighboring counties receiving funds include Colusa, which received $519,780 for reducing sediment and pesticides in runoff from the county's almond orchards, and Yolo County, where the city of Woodland will get $14.8 million for a water meter project.
Special Districts Administrator Mark Dellinger said the funds Lake County received will be used for improvements to hydraulic capacity at the Kelseyville wastewater treatment plant. Dellinger said the plant's treatment process also is being changed to an aerated lagoon system.
He said slightly more than half of the funds the county is receiving from the State Water Board has ARRA as their source.
The State Water Board manages $567.1 million of the total funding – of which $256 million is from the Recovery Act and $310 million from the Board’s ongoing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
The State Water Board assists local communities in preventing and cleaning up water pollution. Its financial assistance concentrates on wastewater projects, treatment plants for water quality improvement projects, stormwater treatment and “green” projects such as wastewater recycling and low impact development.
Under the stimulus program, the State Water Board is handling $270.5 million in addition to more than $300 million normally loaned by the CWSRF each year. The Water Board approved the first Recovery Act project the same day that it received money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Water Board worked with local governments and others in advance of receiving Recovery Act to ensure their clean water projects were ready to begin work and qualify for Recovery Act money as quickly as possible.
“Rural areas, towns and cities are all critical to protecting water quality and all have been affected by the recession,” said Charles Hoppin, chair of the State Water Board.
He said many small towns have, historically, been unable to benefit from economies of scale and modernize the sewer plants that are critical to assuring water quality. “A portion of our grants and ultra-low interest loans this year is being used to keep water in such towns usable,” Hoppin said.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) manages $149.9 million of the total funding (all of which comes from the Recovery Act) through the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
The DWSRF provides funding to correct public water system deficiencies prioritized to address public health risks, comply with requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and address household affordability.
“These shovel-ready water system projects will significantly improve the drinking water infrastructure in California,” said Dr. Mark Horton, director of CDPH. “The projects are located throughout the state and will provide jobs to many local communities in addition to improving drinking water quality. This is another example of how we are maximizing federal stimulus dollars to benefit all Californians.”
The Recovery Act and State funds are targeted to projects in communities that might not normally be able to qualify for CWSRF or DWSRF loans. The funds are being granted or loaned at rates even lower than normally available.
Of the $567.1 million awarded from the CWSRF, $514.2 million is in the form of grants and ultra-low interest zero-and one-percent loans. Of the $150 million awarded from the DWSRF, $120 million is in the form of grants and $30 million in the form of low-interest loans.
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