Reader Question: 

“Oy! We left the chicken in the car overnight! Can it still be used?”

Answer:

This is a much more common question than one might think. People are busy, and while unloading the groceries from their cars, they can be distracted and inadvertently leave a package behind. Sadly, in most cases, the forgotten chicken is not salvageable after a night in the car.  For your safety and the safety of those for whom you cook, it should be thrown out. It is a costly mistake and one that you most likely won’t make again! The only exception would be if the forgotten chicken was left in a car in an environment where the interior temperature of the car remains below freezing the whole time the chicken is there.

My Favorite Vegan Chocolate Cake 

Based on a recipe from Moosewood Restaurant New Classics

Ingredients:

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups cold strong black coffee

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Oil two 8-inch round cake pans.

3. Use either cocoa powder or flour to dust the pans OR line the bottom with parchment paper.

4. In one bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to make sure they are well combined.

5. In a large measuring cup (4 cups), mix together oil, coffee, and vanilla.

6. Pour the coffee mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well to thoroughly combine.

7. Add the vinegar and stir gently. (The reaction of the vinegar to the baking powder will be visible right away.)

8. Immediately pour the batter divided equally into the prepared pans.

9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into the cake comes out clean. 

10. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack.

11. The cakes can be frosted in the pan or removed from the pans and frosted and stacked to create a layer cake. Use the frosting of your choice.