THE VILLAGE VOICE

GARDENING TIP: Itching to get in the garden? Sharpen your pruning shears then head to the local nursery. Stock up on fertilizer and pansies. Gather bulbs in bloom, cold tolerant flowers and several stalks of pussy willows. Arrange in pots and place by your front door to welcome spring and visitors . ~ welcome early visitors ______________ SALMON CAKES with SESAME GINGER VINAIGRETTE ~ great with leftover salmon (e.g. Orange- Teriyaki Salmon) or cooked special for this delicious dish * 1 pound cooked salmon 4 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 large organic egg 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. coarse salt 1/2 tsp. white pepper 1/2 finely chopped red bell pepper 2 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter Hungarian paprika chopped green onions or chives In large bowl, gently blend salmon with bread crumbs. Set aside. Combine mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, red pepper and salt & white pepper. Gently mix together with salmon and refrigerate at least an hour. Using scoop, dr...

NOTE: Like pansies and violets, Johnny -jump-ups are edible flowers, especially lovely in salads and as a garnish for food. ~ Johnny-jump-ups _____________ ORANGE- TERIYAKI SALMON ~ cook an extra pound and make salmon cakes the next day * For each pound of salmon whisk together ~ 3 Tbsp. fresh orange juice zest of 1 orange 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger Preheat oven to 450-degrees. Pour mixture over salmon and bake 13-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not overcook. Fish should cut easily by not flake apart. ======= SPRING RISOTTO 1 cup Arborio rice 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup sliced assorted mushrooms 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 tsp. chopped garlic 1/2 cup white wine 1 tsp. chopped shallots 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 1/2 cups of hot organic chicken or vegetable stock 2 tsp. coarse salt 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh chopped savory herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley...

"Cajun food is poor people's food. If it moves, we eat it." ~ Chef Paul Prudhomme ____________ CAJUN SHRIMP JAMBALAYA ~ feel free to adjust seasonings to fit your palate and enjoy a taste of New Orleans at home * 2 lbs. large peeled and deveined shrimp 1 lbs. skinned, boned & cubed chicken 1/2 lb. andouille sausage 1 tsp. coarse salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black peppercorn 1 tsp. white pepper 1/2 tsp. Coleman' s dry mustard 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp. oil 4 cloves chopped garlic 2 cups chopped onions 1 cup chopped celery 1 large chopped green pepper 3 cups organic chicken stock 2 cups peeled, seeded & chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 bunch chopped fresh parsley (reserve some for garnish) 2 bay leaves 2 cups long-grain rice 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce Combine salt, black & white pepper, cayenne, dry mustard and cumin. Rub into shrimp, chicken, and sausage, keeping each separate . ...

MORE LIKE MARCH! Fifty and fabulous ... _____________________ GARDENER'S TIP ~ If you don't own a Garden Diary, do yourself a favor and purchase one. Recording triumphs and failures not only leads to more success but also makes for great winter reading. _________ ~ Pussy Willow ________________ CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP ~ rich Gouda cheese adds to the creamy consistency * 1/2 lb. diced bacon strips 1/2 stick unsalted plus 3 Tbsp. bacon grease 1 large chopped onion 2 cloves garlic 1 large cauliflower broken into florets 6 medium chopped carrots 4 medium chopped potatoes 2 stalks of celery plus tender leaves 1 small bunch fresh parsley 8 cups organic chicken broth salt & white pepper to taste 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika 8 oz. shredded Gouda cheese chopped chives additional shredded Gouda for garnish Fry bacon in large stockpot until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain pot leaving 3 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add butter and melt. Saute onion and garlic until onion is wilted. Car...

ANOTHER 80-DEGREE DAY! ___ GARDENING NOTE: NOW is the time! (if you haven't already) The grass is sufficiently dry. Grab your rake and remove winter protection and debris from garden and lawn. Cut back winter interest like grasses and dead perennial skeletons. Dream of greeting last autumn bulb faces now peeking through the earth. __________________ ~ Today's spring faces _______________________ MEDITERRANEAN GRILLED CHICKEN CAE SAR SALAD ~ Tuck this easy grilled chicken recipe away. Spring, summer, autumn and winter ~ it is very versatile for sandwiches, salad, atop pasta or showcased alone with rice, orzo, etc. * Marinade: juice of 1-2 lemons (depending on size) and zest 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper 12 halves boneless chicken breasts Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken (the longer the better). Before grilling, bring to room temperature. Place chicken on grill an...

FIRE UP THE GRILL! (Record breaking March temperature ~ 81-degrees) ___________________ ~ Gerbera daisy _______________ GRILLED TURKEY TENDERLOINS ~ good hot off the grill or sliced cold in a salad * 2 plump boneless and skinless turkey tenderloins 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup soy sauce juice of 1 lemon plus lemon zest 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. thyme 1 tsp. rosemary freshly ground cracked pepper Combine all ingredients and pour over turkey tenderloins. Marinate at least 2 hours or longer. Preheat grill on high. Remove tenderloins and place on grill, reserving marinade. Lower heat to medium and grill about 10 minutes on each side or until done. Bring marinade to boil. Simmer 5 minutes and serve over turkey. ______________________________ SPRING TORTELLINI PESTO SALAD ~ delicious alone or with the above turkey tenderloin * 1 lb. trimmed fresh asparagus (snap off tough ends) 2 9-oz. packages refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini 1 cup basil pesto (homema...

Dainty pansy whose soft painted face Tickles my garden with whimsical grace. _________ WILTED SPINACH and GRUYERE FRITTATA 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 10-oz. package baby spinach leaves 1 bunch chopped green onions salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 tsp. sweet Hungarian paprika 10 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream or half & half 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese dried parsley flakes for garnish Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Saute green onions in 1 Tbsp butter. Gradually add spinach until wilted. Drain well and set aside. Melt 3 Tbsp. butter. Whisk eggs, sour cream, and salt & pepper. Fold in 1 cup of cheese, spinach mixture and melted butter. Spread in greased quiche pan. Sprinkle with additional 1/2 cup cheese. Garnish with parsley Bake 45-55 minutes or until eggs are set. (Serves 4-6) _______________________ ORANGE-ALMOND SCONES ~ delicious warm or cold 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 extra-large organic egg 1/4 tsp. almond extract 3 cups flour 4 tsp. ba...

MARCH IS MAPLE SYRUP TIME IN MICHIGAN! For the history of Michigan Maple Syrup "old as the land itself" browse ... THE MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUP SCRAPBOOK http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com/ _____________________ CEDAR PLANKED SALMON WITH MAPLE GLAZE ~ the perfect Native American marriage (maple syrup & the cedar plank*) *Native Americans pioneered the art of roasting on wood planks. The wonderful aroma of red cedar adds a sweet, spicy, roasted flavor. This wonderful recipe came with the plank. * 1 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger root 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 2 1/2 lbs. center-cut salmon fillet with skin Greens from 1 bunch scallions In a small heavy saucepan simmer maple syrup, ginger root, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and salt & pepper to taste until reduced to about 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Let cool. Maple glaze may be make 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring maple glaze to room tempera...

"It is probable that the lemon is the most valuable of the fruit for preserving health." ~ Maud Grieve from A MODERN HERBAL _____________________ Crazy 'bout lemons? The unique Meyer Lemon, favorite of chefs, softens the tartness of lemon with a hint of tangerine. Join the 'Meyer Lemon' craze ~ http://meyerlemons.diaryland.com/ GREEK LEMON CHICKEN SOUP * ~ The best known of all Greek soups, SOUPA AVGOLEMONO, does not contain chicken, vegetables or wine that add a hearty flavor to this rich, tangy soup. _________ 8-10 cups organic chicken broth (better yet- homemade) 1 large chopped onion 3 chopped celery stalk plus leaves 2 chopped carrots 1 cup Arborio rice 1 1/2 lbs. boneless bite-size chicken pieces (breast and/or thighs) freshly ground black pepper lemon pepper to taste 4-6 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley 1 cup white wine 3 large organic eggs juice of 4 lemons chopped fresh dill In large stockpot, add broth, onion, celery & carrots. Bring to boil. Add rice...

" If one daffodil is worth a thousand pleasures, then one is too few." - William Wordsworth ________________________ DAFFODIL CAKE ~ from Elmwood Inn (Ireland) ( www.elmwoodinn.com ) _______________ Yellow batter : 3/4 cups sifted flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder 6 egg yolks 2 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. cold water 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sift cake flour and baking powder together six times. Beat egg yolks with lemon juice and water until thick, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar. Sift a fourth of the flour mixture at a time over the egg mixture; fold in. White batter: 1/2 cup sifted cake flour 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar 6 egg whites at room temperature 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar Sift cake flour and powdered sugar together six times. Beat egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar. Sift a fourth...

" We need spring. We need it desperately and, usually, we need it before God is willing to give it to us. " ~ Peter Gzowski (Spring Tonic) * ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gzowski ) _______________________________ ~ Vernal Equinox (Hubbard Lake) ________________________ PENNE PRIMAVERA ~ ' Primavera ' means 'Spring' in Italian _______ 1 pound penne pasta or bow-tie ( farfalle ) 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 large minced sweet onion like Vidalia 2-3 minced garlic cloves 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 lb. diagonally cut asparagus (snap off woody stems) 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms 3 diagonally thinly sliced carrots 1 matchstick sliced yellow pepper 1 matchstick sliced orange pepper 1 hefty cup frozen peas 1 pint grape tomatoes 10-oz. fresh stemmed baby spinach 1 bunch chopped fresh basil coarse salt & fresh cracked black pepper freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese Heat wok or deep skillet. Add butter, olive oil, onion,...

"Poultry is for the cook what canvas is for the painter." ~ Brillat - Savarin ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Anthelme_Brillat-Savarin ) _____________________ FORTY-CLOVE GARLIC CHICKEN ~ a surprisingly mild, perfect 'end of winter' meal adapted from The Garlic Lovers' Cookbook created in Gilroy , The Garlic Capital of the World -- " ... the only town in America where you can marinate a steak just by hanging it out on the clothesline." (Will Rogers) === 1 plump chicken (a capon would be lovely) rinsed & patted dry 40 cloves of garlic 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 stalks of celery and leaves 1 bunch of minced parsley 1 Tbsp. thyme 1 Tbsp. rosemary 1 lemon 2 bay leaves 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup vermouth coarse salt & freshly cracked pepper Sprinkle cavity of bird with lemon juice and half of herbs, salt & pepper. Stuff with celery, bay leaves and sliced lemon rind. Massage bird with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and remaining herbs, salt ...

"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." ~ Calvin Trillin * For more information on Calvin Trillin visit Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CalvinTrillin ___________________________ ~ St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef 'N Cabbage _______________________ CORNED BEEF HASH ~ delicious 'Hangover' breakfast === 4 cups chopped corned beef 4 cups diced par-boiled potatoes (bring to boil, simmer 10 minutes & drain) 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large chopped onion 1 minced garlic clove 1 chopped red bell pepper 1/2 chopped orange or yellow pepper 1/2 chopped green bell pepper fresh chopped parsley 1 tsp. thyme 2 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned pepper kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste 1 small bunch chopped green onions 6 poached eggs In large skillet, melt 4 Tbsp. butter. Add onion, garlic, and peppers and cook until wilted. Coat...