Palladium, Making of North America, Bowling, Canada Day.

Just watched a programme on PBS about the formation of North America. They were explaining what a geological history record was formed by the Grand Canyon. However, they explained something I had heard before, but never checked out, some of the oldest rock in the world is found in Ontario - part of what we call the Canadian Shield. What I didn't know though, there is a large Palladium mine in Ontario. The Lac des Iles Palladium Mine. Apparently palladium is worth a heck of a lot more than gold although not as much as white gold or platinum. In case you don't know, and I must admit I didn't know much about it, I have just copied this from Wiki:  Palladium is used to make springs for watches, surgical instruments, electrical contacts and dental fillings and crowns. Finely divided palladium acts as a catalyst and is used in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. They also mentioned something about cars but I don't remember what it was. The programme about the formation of North America was quite fascinating and covered geological history from the beginning of earth. Apparently once there were mountains where New York City is. There are two more episodes so we must remember to watch them. It was on Nova if you are interested.

Of course today, Wednesday, was our Summer League bowling and for once, all four of us, on our

team, were bowling pretty well. My scores weren't brilliant, but they were acceptable, and much to our delight we took all 7 points against the other team which turned out to be the number 2 team. Didn't realise that. This means we have crept up another notch and are now in 8th place. (Out of 10). Not brilliant but not on the bottom. 

At this time of year, we have Canada Day on July 1 and Independence Day on July 4. We are inundated with red white and blue recipes but this year there are some red and white recipes to choose from for Canada day. This is one which appealed to me.


Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
Food Network

SERVES 12


Happy Birthday Canada! Celebrate July 1st by proudly showing off our beautiful maple leaf on the

top of this creamy no-bake cheesecake. The addition of a red graham cracker base makes it even more patriotic. The best part of this luscious dessert is that it is make ahead leaving you more time for celebrating!

INGREDIENTS

Base

½ cup butter, melted

1 Tbsp red food colouring

2 cups graham crackers crumbsFilling

1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin

2 Tbsp Water

⅓ cup 35% cream

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup sour cream

1 ½ tsp vanillaTopping

½ cup coarse red sugar

DIRECTIONS

Base

1. In a small bowl, whisk together butter and food colouring. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter mixture. Mix until butter mixture is evenly distributed. Pour into prepared pan and press evenly; set aside.

2. Line a 9-inch square metal baking pan with foil leaving a 2-inch overhang; set aside.Filling

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water. Microwave on medium heat until dissolved, 20 seconds.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl and using an electric mixer, whip cream; set aside.

3. In a separate bowl and using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light. Add sugar, sour cream and vanilla and beat until combined. Stir into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped cream. Pour over crust, smoothing top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

4. Using foil overhang as handles, remove cheesecake from pan and transfer from foil to serving plate.

5. Cut cheesecake into 12 pieces.

Topping

1. Place 1¾-inch maple leaf cookie cutter in centre of each cheesecake piece. Spoon rounded ¼ tsp coarse red sugar into centre of cutter. Using tip of knife, gently spread sugar to fill cutter. Remove cutter being careful not to disturb sugar.

2. Serve.

Have a great day