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
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* Origin: Outpost BBS * Johnson City, TN (1:18/200)