Clean greens

There’s something alluring about a plate full of fresh frisee, bibb and arugula (there’s a reason why they call it a honeymoon salad – lettuce alone). But the honeymoon could come to an abrupt end if you don’t clean your greens. A recent study quoted in Men’s Health magazine states that lettuce, including those “triple-washed” prepackaged salad greens, accounted for 11 percent of reported food-poisoning outbreaks linked to produce from 1990 to 2002. It pays to give your salad a spin, and the sleek new salad spinner from Zyliss is a stylish, easy way to get it done. It costs $24.99 for a large spinner (4-6 servings) and $19.99 for a smaller version (2-3 servings). Zyliss products are available at Bed Bath & Beyond in Bangor or Domus Isle in Bar Harbor.

Brownie points

It was a tight race, but during a head-to-head bake-off on Memorial Day, Christine Jefferies of Wildwood, Mo., won Duncan Hines’ “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity” Brownie Recipe Contest, judged by NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip. To make Jeffries’ Triple Chocolate Toffee Torte, preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine 1 package Duncan Hines Chocolate Lovers Double Fudge brownie mix, packet of chocolate flavored syrup, 1/3 cup oil, 1/3 cup water, 1 egg and 1/4 cup each semi-sweet and white chocolate chips in large bowl; beat 50 strokes with spoon. Do not overmix. Spread in a greased 9- or 10-inch springform pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/2 cup milk chocolate toffee bits. Cool completely. While the first layer is cooling, mix 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add 11/2 cups melted white chocolate chips and mix until combined. (White chocolate can be melted in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through cooking time). Once brownie is cool, spread cream cheese layer over brownie. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chips with 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream until well combined. Spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until completely set, at least 1 hour or overnight. Before serving, remove sides of spring form pan. Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening. Drizzle over semi-sweet chocolate glaze, allowing it to run down sides of torte. Garnish each slice with whipped cream and extra toffee bits, if desired. Serves 12.

Eat your vegetables

Sure, you like to garden, but who did you think you were you fooling when you planted turnips? This time of year, it’s easy to go overboard, but the folks at Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardener’s Companion suggest planting only what you like to eat. The summer 2004 edition lists the USDA’s top five veggies – potatoes, leaf lettuce, onions, tomatoes and carrots, with full instructions on planting each. The publication is available at bookstores, grocery stores and some garden shops. Can’t find it? Visit www.almanac.com.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.