Subj : Today in History - 1909
To   : All
From : Dave Drum
Date : Sun Feb 05 2023 05:56:26

05 February 1909 - BAKELITE, THE FIRST SYNTHETIC PLASTIC, IS ANNOUNCED:
Leo Baekeland, a Belgian-born chemist working in New York, announces his
invention of the world's first manmade plastic material, naming it
Bakelite. It will help launch the plastics revolution.

Bakelite has a distinctive odor - once smelled it is never forgotten.
American made bakelite gives off a stronger odor than European made.

Bakelite was one of the first synthetically manufactured plastic
materials introduced in the early 20th century. Bakelite has been since
been recognized as a National Historical Chemical Landmark.

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06

      Title: Make Chocolate Plastic
 Categories: Five, Chocolate, Novelty
      Yield: 16 servings

      1 lb White chocolate
    1/2 c  Light corn syrup
           Food coloring; opt

  Chop the chocolate, and place it in a large
  microwave-safe bowl.

  Microwave the chocolate until melted, stirring after
  every 45 seconds to avoid overheating the chocolate.

  Remove the melted chocolate from the microwave, and stir
  until smooth. Add the corn syrup and stir until the
  mixture is thoroughly combined.

  Spoon the chocolate onto a large sheet of plastic wrap,
  and wrap it securely. Allow the chocolate to cool and
  solidify at room temperature, for at least 6 hours or
  overnight.

  Soften the hardened chocolate by kneading it with
  glove-covered hands, or microwave it in short 10-second
  intervals until it becomes soft enough to work with.

  Continue to knead until it is smooth and pliable. Do not
  worry if your chocolate plastic has lumps-these can be
  worked out through the kneading process. Dust your hands
  with powdered sugar if the chocolate begins to stick.

  At this point, you can divide it and knead different
  food colorings into the chocolate, if desired. Be sure
  to change your gloves between batches to avoid muddying
  the colors.

  Dust your work surface with a thin layer of powdered
  sugar.

  Roll out the chocolate plastic until it is very thin
  (about 1/8"). Alternately, you can use a pasta roller to
  make thin ribbons or strips.

  Now you’re ready to decorate with your chocolate
  plastic. You can cut out shapes or letters with cookie
  cutters or a knife, or form the chocolate plastic into
  ribbons and bows, or use large sheets of plastic to wrap
  entire cakes or petit fours.

  Gather remaining scraps of chocolate plastic and wrap
  tightly. Store in a cool cupboard and use within two to
  three weeks.

  To reuse, repeat the softening instructions in Step 5. 

  RECIPE FROM: https://www.thespruceeats.com

  Uncle Dirty Dave's Archives

MMMMM

.... "A cheapskate won't tip a server. I'm just careful with my money" Dave 
Drum
--- MultiMail/Win
 * Origin: Outpost BBS * Johnson City, TN (1:18/200)

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