The Stage Deli’s Tasty Version of Cabbage Soup

DEAR SOS: The Stage Deli in Century City makes the most delicious sweet and sour cabbage soup. If you could please get their recipe or one just like it, I would appreciate it.

--ROSE

DEAR ROSE: Why settle for second best when Stage Deli is willing to part with their recipe? Here’s the homey soup, which is great any time of the year.

STAGE DELI SWEET AND SOUR CABBAGE SOUP

2 pounds short ribs

1 gallon water

1 teaspoon salt

1 (18 3/4-ounce) can whole tomatoes

1 cup tomato paste

2 onions, chopped

1 cup white vinegar

2 cups sugar

2 cups sauerkraut

2 cups chopped cabbage

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1 cup white raisins

2 cups apple sauce

4 bay leaves

Cook short ribs in boiling water with salt until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Strain liquid into clean pot and set shortribs aside. Remove bones and fat, then cube meat.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, vinegar, sugar, sauerkraut, cabbage, white pepper, raisins, apple sauce and bay leaves to cooking liquid. Cook, covered, over low heat 2 hours. Add meat and heat through. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

DEAR SOS: Years ago Betty Crocker had a mix cake called lemon pudding cake. It was light and delicious. I have searched through many books to no avail.

--MRS. S.S.

DEAR MRS. S.S.: You are probably referring to a cake made with a yellow cake mix as well as a lemon pudding filling mix to produce a moist, pudding-like cake, similar to the commercial bakery lemon cake popular in Los Angeles. Correct?

It’s a good cake to serve with coffee or tea or to take to a picnic because it is easy to transport.

POPULAR LEMON CAKE

1 (2-layer-size) package yellow cake mix

1 (4-serving size) lemon instant pudding and pie filling mix

4 eggs

1 cup water

1/4 cup oil

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil in large mixer bowl. Blend well. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

Pour batter into greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan or 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees 45 to 50 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool in pan about 15 minutes before removing and cooling. Makes about 12 servings.