More on Pyrex

Doing the research on the history of Pyrex was really interesting and a lot of fun.  I had absolutely no idea it had such an unusual beginning.  The need was very practical.  But then aren’t most things invented because of a very real and practical need?  I would guess that most homemakers of that day were very frustrated with the cookware available to them.  They had a need for baking dishes that didn’t fracture in the oven.  I really cannot imagine my life without Pyrex.  I would guess that I use a Pyrex product every day.  From measuring cups to mixing bowls, storage containers and baking dishes, all of those items are at hand to be used while preparing meals, baking or storing food in my kitchen.

While writing and researching the history article, I thought of the durability of the basic Pyrex baking dish and a favorite dessert of my grandchildren, the Jello Poke Cake.  It really shows the durability of the glassware.  That durability was the very thing that was attractive about the glass used in the Pyrex bake ware.  You bake a cake, pour boiling Jello over it and immediately put the dish in the refrigerator and never stop to wonder if the glass will crack or break because of the temperature extremes.  Time after time it works.   I know that I take for granted that the Pyrex baking dish that I am using will be reliable.

As I said, the Jello Poke cake is a favorite of my grandchildren and we just recently made one for Saint Patrick’s Day.

Jello Poke  Cake• Lime Jello Poke Cake• 1 Box white cake mix • 1 large box lime Jello• 2 cups boiling water• 1 small container Cool Whip

1. Bake the cake in a 9x13 Pyrex baking dish according to the instructions on the box2. Mix the Jello with 2 cups of boiling water3. Poke holes evenly over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon4. Pour boiling Jello over the top and refrigerate immediately5. After cake is completely cool cover the top with whipped topping

A creative grandchild decorated the top of our cake with shamrocks made of green sugar.

Very festive!!

A variation on the Lime Jello Cake follows.

Strawberry Chocolate Jello Poke Cake

1. Follow the basic directions above and substitute the following ingredients.2. Use a chocolate cake mix and strawberry Jello 3. Cover the top with whipped topping 4. Decorate the top of the cake with sliced fresh strawberries.

I hope you all enjoy these desserts that are fun and easy to make. Jello Poke Cake is a great dessert for warmer days. Let your imagination run with all of the possible flavor combinations.

Another family favorite recipe is an Apple Dump Cake. I found my favorite at AllRecipes.com and changed it just a bit.

Apple Dump Cake• 1 Box Spice cake Mix• 1 Can Apple Pie Filling• 1 Can cooked Apples• 1 tsp. Cinnamon• ½ tsp. Nutmeg• 1tsp. Sugar• ¾ cup Butter• 1 cup Chopped pecans (opt.) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees2. Pour the cans of apple pie filling and cooked apples into a 9x13 Pyrex baking dish.3. Mix together the cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Sprinkle over the apples.4. Pour the box of cake mix over the top.  Dot with the butter and sprinkle with the pecans.5. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the top is golden and the sides are bubbly.  Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

Want to add to or enhance your cookware, tableware, or cutlery?  Visit our website at http://www.mycookwareshop.com and peruse our offerings.  You can also visit our website to view more of our favorite recipes.