MAN’S BEST … FOX?
Domestication has turned deadly hunters into man’s best friend and, subsequently, internet sensations. Dogs and cats are examples of what can happen after a few thousand years, but they might not remain the most popular domesticated animals much longer. A decades-long science experiment in Russia seems to be close to introducing a new pet to the scene: foxes. In the 1950s, a Russian geneticist named Dmitry Belyaev theorized that dogs owed their friendly
behavior to certain genes. This was a revolutionary idea at the time, and it launched a 60-year science experiment. Belyaev’s team began studying wild foxes, breeding only the foxes that showed the least fear or aggression toward humans. This continued through generations of foxes, long after Belyaev passed away in 1985. By 2004, 70 percent of the Belyaev foxes had reached an “elite” level of friendliness. Today, these foxes wag their tails, learn tricks, play with humans, and love treats! Are these Russian wonders one paw away from replacing dogs as man’s best friend? Not exactly. While Belyaev’s foxes are certainly friendly, they don’t have the same desire to emotionally bond with humans like dogs do. If a Belyaev fox comes into the room, it might greet you by sniffing your leg before going off to relax somewhere else. Meanwhile, any dog owner can tell you how their furry friend wants to be glued to their side at all times. There are around 400 Belyaev foxes in the world today, and while they are tame, they aren’t fully domesticated. Not yet anyway. But if wolves became dogs and wild felines became lazy housecats, it might not be long before foxes earn their place alongside humans. Let’s hope they don’t mind posing for social media pictures.
TIRAMISU
Ingredients
• 6 egg yolks • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1 pound mascarpone cheese • 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled • 2 teaspoons dark rum • 24 packaged ladyfingers • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of mascarpone.
2. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth.
6. Cover and refrigerate 2–8 hours.
3. Fold in 1 tablespoon of espresso.
7. Remove from fridge, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and serve.
4. In a small, shallow dish, combine remaining espresso with rum. Dip each ladyfinger into mixture for 5 seconds. Place soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a walled baking dish.
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
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