Wednesday, September 20, 2006 · Page 8 From: Her Desk Drawer This wonderful cake made with blue plums is accented with orange and a touch of nutmeg. For a finishing touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with a little nutmeg. 2 tbsp . . . . . .granulated sugar 1 tbsp . . . . . .cornstarch 12 oz . . . . . .large Ontario Blue (Italian) Plums 1 tbsp . . . . . .orange-flavoured liqueur or orange juice . . . . . . . . . . .concentrate Cake: 3/4 cup . . . . .butter, softened 1-1/3 cups . .granulated sugar 3 . . . . . . . . . .eggs 1 tsp . . . . . . .vanilla 1 tbsp . . . . . .finely grated orange rind 1-1/2 cups . .all-purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp . . . .baking powder 1/2 tsp . . . . .nutmeg 1/4 tsp . . . . .salt Plum Orange Cake In medium bowl, mix sugar with cornstarch. Slice each plum into about 6 wedges; discard pits. Toss plums in cornstarch mixture; stir in liqueur. Set aside. Cake: In large bowl and using electric mixer, beat butter with sugar at high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in orange rind. In medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt; beat slowly into butter mixture until well combined. Pour into 9-inch springform or square cake pan, greased only on bottom. Drain any liquid from plums; arrange slices in circular pattern on batter. Bake in 350oF oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean and lightly browned. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove ring from pan and let cool completely. Serve at room temperature. SOUND Arena design open houses cancelled Board allows ERCA to BY FREE PRESS STAFF Open houses scheduled in Essex and Harrow to review the design plans for the new arena have been cancelled. Town administrators had planned to offer residents in the municipality an opportunity to look at preliminary architectural designs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Harrow Recreation Complex and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the same day at the Kinsmen Field House in Essex. On Sept. 15 Parks and Recreation Director Doug Sweet said the arena steering committee wasn't satisfied with the designs submitted by Rounthwaite Dick and Hadley Inc., the architectural firm hired to design the new arena, and was canceling the open houses. Chief Administrative Office Wayne Miller said the plans weren't ready and that additional information was needed before any open houses could take place. Miller said the committee has not identified a rescheduled date. The steering committee is comprised of Miller, Sweet, Treasurer Donna Hunter and Mayor Ron McDermott. OF STRINGS Guitar player Doug Patillo, left, and fiddler Todd Porter play to an audience gathered at the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum Sept. 17. The third annual Fabulous Fiddles and Friends event also featured music by Close Enough and the Walstedts. All proceeds generated will go toward maintaining the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum, which will soon house a 19th century log cabin.The museum, which used to be the old Maidstone Town Hall, was built in 1915. It became a museum in 1984. consider wind turbine lease BY SARAH FISHER The Essex Region Conservation Authority may consider the possibility of leasing a portion of its property to a wind-generated power company. During a meeting Sept. 14, the ERCA board of directors discussed the offer, which is at a "preliminary stage" according to Kevin Money, ERCA's coordinator of conservation areas. Money said the authority would not reveal the name of the company it plans to speak with at this point. A specific location for the turbines has not been identified. "They just want to keep it confidential and, really, we have done absolutely nothing other than agree to have a conversation at this point," Money said. Kingsville Councillor Tamara Stomp urged the board to educate itself on any adverse effects to the region's natural habitat and wildlife before entering into an arrangement about turbines. "This area is known for its eco-tourism," Stomp said. "... This organization is known as a protector of these (animals) and their habitat, so it concerns me very much that we would consider this." SEE WIND TURBINE, 11 ESSEX EYC YOUTH CENTRE ESSEX YOUTH CENTRE 242 Talbot St. N. Essex, Ontario N8M 2E1 The Essex Youth Centre is pleased to announce that The Delta Driving School (29 Years In Business) will continue to serve the youth of Essex and the surrounding area. M.T.O. Approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider Call Abe 919-0157 or 325-0733 FREE ESTIMATES 4 SATURDAYS 9:00 A.M. - 3:45 P .M. ng Drivions Less sex in Es SEPT. 23 & 30 OCT. 7 & 14 TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS EVENINGS 10 Hours in car OCT. 17 - NOV. 9 6 P.M. - 9:10 P.M. Insurance Certificate 25 Hours in the classroom DELTA DRIVING SCHOOL "When You Drive With Us ... You Also Support The Youth Centre." Register by calling 967-8383 or 967-1303