Secret Recipes Controversy

It's interesting to recall the great recipe issues over common, everyday foods. From the controversies over the Colonel's secret herbs and spices to the Coca Cola formula wars, those days and times seem quaint and far behind us.

Once and awhile, though, another issue pops up to remind us that we're not all that different from the past.

Take for instance, the Great Thomas' English Muffin Nooks and Crannies controversy. A New York Times article illustrates the point.

First off, it's important to know that the muffin product symbolized by the iconic horse and wagon logo, was purchased by Bimbo Bakeries in 2009. That's something I hadn't known - The American corporation bought the Thomas' company (which is now in turn owned by the Mexican company Grupo Bimbo).

Turns out a vice president left the new company and apparently wanted a new job at the Hostess. The problem? He knows the secret recipe to Thomas' English Muffins which causes the nooks and crannies! This is a BIG secret in the bakery world with only 6 other people in the know.

Bimbo says they thought the VP was retiring, Hostess says they only hired him for his industry experience and not any particular secret, and the VP said he only copied a bunch of files unto his flash drive because he wanted to practice his computer skills for his new job.

And now the lawyers are involved. Everybody is pointing fingers, with some saying the whole episode might be a marketing ploy because getting nooks and crannies is not that big of a secret (use a really wet dough and bake it at high heat). But now the VP is unemployed because the courts won't let him go to Hostess, Hostess doesn't want to get involved and can't wait for the lawyers so they're hiring somebody else.

And so, the humble breakfast muffin has been spread thick with drama and under the heat of scrutiny. As the French proverb goes - The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Corned Beef Hash With Ham and Eggs

I tried the modified canned corned beef hash caper again but this time I added a thick slice of ham left over from dinner. I diced it up and put it in the frying pan first for about 3 minutes on medium heat, flipping it every half minute. The truth is, I like ham twice cooked - baked and then fried, not to the point of ham jerky but close. I also shredded half a potato, using a box grater this time. I put into the pan and let it cook for another 3 minutes. The grated potato fit in to the texture much better since the can already had diced potatoes. I added the can of corned beef hash and broke it up throughout the pan and let it go for about 2 minutes. Then I flipped it, made holes for two eggs, cracked and set the eggs into the holes and cooked them until set to "sunny side up" level. Gave the whole thing a quick flip, turned off the heat and let it rest for a minute before serving it.

Result: I have to say, I liked it. Except for a little pepper, it didn't need much seasoning - the salt in the ham took care of that. And the ham complemented the corned beef in both flavor and texture rather than subtracting from it. With the eggs, it made a classic comfort food and helped to keep the fridge clean.

THE BIG QUESTION: Would I Have It Again? Probably.I don't think I'd go out of my way to put ham in corned beef hash but it was a good way to use up leftover ham (especially since it was the end piece with the tough rind).

Coffee With Mexican Hot Chocolate

Just to add a little spice to a morning cup of coffee, I dropped a small broken tablet of Nestle's Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate into a plain cup of coffee. It was quite delicious.
It became a Mexican Cafe Mocha.
The Mexican hot chocolate comes in 6 solid hexagons. Each tablet is scored into smaller sections. I used one section but if you're a big fan of Mexican style hot chocolate you can add more. Just be sure that the whole chunks of chocolate melt completely or you'll end up with a big good up the bottom of your mug. Also, it's something that must be drunk rather quickly, otherwise a film will collect on top as it cools. If it does, just warm it up and stir it back in.

The tablets are sold as "Abuelita - Autentico Chocolate Meixcano Para Mesa." They're great for a quick cup of hot chocolate with a little spice in it.

Makes a great breakfast item. For an extra wake-me-up-with-a-flavor-punch, sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Bottom line: Would I have it again? Yes. Probably not every day but it is a nice change of pace.