(hopefully not ask for a burger and fries)

This week, we seem to be stuck on the topic of oil. California may be banning trans fats, but the police in Manila are about to start using fast food oil to run their police cars.

The cars will run on a fuel made from a 60/40 diesel, French-fry oil blend. If all goes according to plan, it will not only make the city smell delicious, but will also save the force $11,000 a year (spread out among 10 cars).

McDonalds is the first fast food company to donate to the cause, however I am sure that once other companies learn of the new, more in-expensive way to dispose of their oil, they will no doubt follow suit. And that’s good news!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130012

Friday, July 25th, California became the first state to ban trans fats in all restaurants. Trans Fat comes from hydrogenated oils and are usually used in fried foods and baked goods. Shortening and certain oils used for frying are the most common evil-doers. (check the ingredients for Oreos, if you dare)

Good news for Mr. Heart.

Bad news for Mrs. Lard.

California will begin doling out $25-$1,000 fines for restaurants who continue to use the artery-clogging stuff. Restaurants may still use trans fats in yeast dough and cake batter until January, 2011. That means, go to your favorite bakery, get your hoard of muffins quick and freeze them for the future (yes, most baked goods stay quite lovely when frozen, thaw and reheat in a warm oven).

The California Restaurant association is not happy about the new law, but they won’t oppose it - apparently they’ve already been making a large effort to eradicate the dependency on trans-fats for years. NYC, Philadelphia, Montgomery and Seattle have ordinances banning trans fats, but California will be the first to go the distance.
Anyone have a scone recipe that doesn’t use shortening? Huh? Huh?

Seeing as butter does NOT contain trans-fats (seriously!), you are now free to slather it on. Go on…SLATHER….

Good news!