THE VILLAGE VOICE

~ Fading memories

~ Chrysanthemum (flower of the month) ____________________ WILD RICE CAKE with BOURBON CUSTARD SAUCE ~ A lingering taste of autumn - soft, crunchy & sweet ( The Northwoods Table ) * 2 cups sifted flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 cups cooked (until bloomed) wild rice ~ 1/2 cup uncooked* 1 cup walnuts 1/2 cup sweet (unsalted) butter 1 cup dark brown sugar 4 organic eggs 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. maple flavoring 1/2 tsp nutmeg BOURBON CUSTARD SAUCE: 2 egg yolks 1 cup confectioners sugar 8 Tbsp. bourbon 1 cup whipping cream 1 tsp. vanilla Combine flour with salt and baking powder. Combine cooked wild rice with walnut pieces (for smoother textured cake, process rice & walnuts one or two pulse cycles in food processor with steel blade). Cream butter until softened. Add brown sugar. Beat i eggs, one at a time. Add buttermilk, maple flavoring and nutmeg. Beat until light and fluffy. Sir in flour mixture until thoroughly mixed. Fold in rice and walnut mixture. Pour batt...

"If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums." ~ a Chinese philosopher ~ Chrysanthemum 'The Happiness Flower' The Chrysanthemum, the Flower of Happiness, was so revered that in Japan only the nobles could grow it. It has been grown for over 2,000 years all throughout in the Far East. It has come to mean love and truthfulness. We may see it carved on the throne of the Emperor of Japan and on many Chinese artifacts. - Flowers: Myths, Legends and Traditions ________________ SUKIYAKI ~ Easy version of an old favorite first tasted back in the 60's, prepared and served in an electric frying pan as a thank you gift from our Japanese houseguest . * 1 1/2 lbs. very thinly sliced beef (sirloin) or boneless chicken 4 diagonally sliced stalks celery 2 thinly sliced medium onions or medium leeks 1 fat bunch diagonally sliced green onions 12 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms 1 can drained & sliced bamboo shoots 1 can drained & sliced water chestnuts salad oil 2...

~ Alstroemeria (simply lovable face) _____________ Gardner's Note: "( al ztruh mee'ree uh):n. A genus of 60 species of bulbs ( Alstroemeriaceae ) with long, thin, lancelike leaves topped with loose clusters of azalea-shaped flowers streaked in a myriad of colors. Used for massing or in borders. Commonly known as Peruvian lily . " ______________________ GNOCCHI with WILD MUSHROOMS ~ Although gnocchi is simple to prepare, with the busy season ahead consider this tasty dish from FOOD & WINE (NOV 2006 ) made even easier with store-bought gnocchi. * 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 lbs. (10 cups) stemmed mixed wild mushrooms 2 minced shallots 1/4 cup dry vermouth 3/4 cup organic chicken stock 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tsp. chopped thyme coarse salt & freshly ground pepper 2 lbs. fresh or frozen prepared gnocchi 6 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. white truffle oil (optional) Prepare broiler. In large ovenproof skillet, heat oli...

~ November 'Freezing moon' set (Gashkadino-giizis ~ Ojibwe)

"The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July." ~ Henry David Thoreau ~ Out the window (waning colors) ____________ AUTUMN TETRAZZINI with ROASTED RED PEPPERS & ARTICHOKES ~ Though similar, this rich and colorful dish (adapted from April, 2005 Southern Living) with a slightly different twist is a tasty change from traditional tetrazzini (Archives: November 24, 2006) . * 1 (12-oz) package 'straw & hay' (green & white) fettuccine or all spinach or regular 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1 coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion 8 oz. sliced mushrooms 3 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. coarse salt 1 tsp. white pepper 3 cup milk or half & half 3 cups chopped turkey 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers 1 (14-oz) can drained and chopped artichoke hearts 1 cup white wine 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (or 1 cup shredded Parmesan & 1 cup shredded...

" God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart." ~Izaak Walton ~ Thanksgiving bouquet

"Be thankful if you have a whole sandwich, you have one-half to share." ~ Anne La Flamme ( mother) ~ Lives intertwined ____________ CLASSIC WALDORF ~ Thanksgiving was never complete without Mom's classic 'luxurious' salad. * 3-4 unpeeled & diced Red Delicious apples 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 cup halved seedless red grapes 1 cup walnuts 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip 1 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/4 cup whipped cream ( only some years) * Sprinkle lemon juice on chopped apples and combine with celery, grapes and walnuts. Combine mayonnaise or Miracle Whip and sugar. (Fold in whipped cream). Pour over fruit mixture and gently fold in. (6 servings) _____________ WALDORF SALAD (Revisited) ~ Tweaked throughout the years from an old Bon Appetit recipe. * 4 unpeeled and diced Red Delicious a pples 2 unpeeled and diced Granny Smith apples juice and zest of 1 lemon 2/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery 1 1/3 cup halved red seedl...

"I said my prayers and ate some cranberry tart for breakfast." ~William Byrd ~ Thankful ____________ STUFFED FRENCH TOAST with CRANBERRY MAPLE SAUCE ~ From Ramsey Canyon Inn (AZ) comes this delicious seasonal recipe, an ideal brunch before heading downtown for the annual Thanksgiving Day parade or Detroit Lion game. (Why start the day counting calories!) * 1 8-oz. package cream cheese 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts 16 slices good quality French bread 8 organic eggs 1 1/2 cups half & half 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. grated nutmeg melted butter 2 cups cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup maple syrup 1 tsp. maple extract In medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and nuts. Spread mixture on 8 slices of French bread. Top with remaining 8 slices of bread. In blender mix eggs, half & half, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Pour half of egg mixture into buttered 9x13 inch glass dish. Place French bread on top of egg m...

~ Good Grief! __________________________ Carolyn gail ( Sweet home and Garden Chicago ) left an alarming post: "I love bourbon in everything as well ! You've been tagged to reveal 8 random things about yourself." Good Grief! Like ... who would wish to read humble ramblings from a 'Ho-Hum Housewife'? Carolyn (though I doubt it) must be extremely bored but, nonetheless, respecting her wishes and cleaver blog ... here are the rules for those fortunate enough to be touched by 'the fickle finger of fate'. If tagged, link to the person who tagged you ( that would be me) , post the rules ( name 8 things you didn't know about meme ) and link to 8 other lucky bloggers . Carolyn, you're a 'sweetie' *... I must admit ~ I get my best sleep after my husband crawls out of bed in the AM to grind Starbucks French Roast for the morning brew and I can sprawl out, hogging the whole bed to myself ... I confess to ~ hording pocketfuls of peanut M&Ms i...

" If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice. " ~ Meister Eckhart ( http://www.eckhartsociety.org/meister.htm ) ~ Soul of a maple leaf _________________ MAPLE GLAZED TURKEY ~ Simple autumn flavors infused in the soul of the bird. Perfect for a Thanksgiving or holiday buffet. Though 'tweaked' throughout the years through roasting time and the addition of wine, fresh herbs, apple and lemon, this lovely adapted 1998 recipe from Sweet Lorraine's retains the rich essence of Michigan. * 12- 15 lb. fresh turkey coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 1 quartered onion bunch of fresh sage leaves 1 quartered apple 1 sliced lemon 4 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter 3 Tbsp. fresh thyme 3 Tbsp. fresh sage coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 1 cup organic chicken stock 1 cup white wine 4 Tbsp. melted butter 1/2 cup maple syrup Preheat oven to 450-degrees. Rinse turkey inside and out. Season cavity & o...

~ Autumn leaves of red and gold (Bloomfield Village) ___________ PEAR~CRANBERRY CRISP with CINNAMON ICE CREAM ~ Beloved pears, cranberries and ice cream ... the perfect ending to a perfect meal. This treasured recipe is a favorite holiday dessert, clipped from BON APPETIT (Nov 2002). * 3 lbs. ripe Anjou pears (about 5) peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup fresh cranberries 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup finely ground walnuts 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled Cinnamon Ice Cream* Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Toss pears, cranberries, and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl. Let stand 15 minutes. Transfer mixture to 11x7x2 inch glass baking dish. Mix flour, next 3 ingredients , and 1/4 cup sugar in medium bowl. Add butter; using fork, stir until moist clumps form. Sprinkle topping over fruit in dish. Bake crisp 45 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 375-degrees. Bake until golden, about 10 ...

~ The great pumpkin ____________ PUMPKIN TIRAMISU ~ A break from traditional , loosly adapted from GOURMET (Nov 2006) * 1 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream 3/4 cup sugar 1 (8-oz) container mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese) 1 (15-oz) can pure pumpkin 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. cloves 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cardamom 2 packages good quality ladyfingers 1/4 cup finely ground espresso, divided 1/3-1/2 cup Amaretto or Frangelico liqueur 2-3 oz. crushed gingersnaps or amaretti cookies Beat chilled whipping cream and sugar until peaks form. Set aside. Whip mascarpone cheese. A dd pumpkin and spices and combine with whipped cream until smooth. Dip 1/2 of ladyfingers into liqueur and line bottom of 9-inch springform pan with ladyfingers, overlapping and crowding to fit. Sprinkle with 1/3 ground espresso. Spread 1/2 of filling over ladyfingers. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, dipped in liqueur . Sprinkle with 1/3 espresso. Top with remaining fill...

AN AGING VETERANS PRAYER by JOSEPH P.MARTINO "America I loved you in my youth, with all my heart and soul ... And I still believe in what you stand for, now that I have grown grey and old. We live in a republic where freedom of speech, justice, liberty and equality for all, are the mortar, brick, foundation and cornerstone of our great democracy. Precious guidlines and undeniable truths that ourfounding fathers weaved and express so eloquently in the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Principles to strive for and live by not for just the present moment, but for a lifetime. Every second, minute, hour and day of each and every passing year. Our past and present veterans blood was shed and flesh was torn on foreign battle fields in defense of these shining truths and principles so others should remain free. So please keep us vets in your heart felt thoughts and prayers for we are growing old, you see. Liberty and freedom comes at a high cost and is never really free. For without the sacrifice of ou...

"The autumn leaves drift by my window, The autumn leaves of red and gold ..." ( http://www.johnnymercer.com/FAQ/Autumn%20Leaves.htm ) ~ Autumn leaves of red and gold _____________ SAVORY BREAD PUDDING with MUSHROOMS & PARMESAN CHEESE ~ After a workout tidying up the garden for the winter, pop this 'make-ahead' rich savory custard (adapted from Bon Appetit -Nov 2006) into the oven. Put on Claude Debussy's 'Prelude on the Afternoon of a Fawn', toss a salad, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the fruits of your labor ... * 1 1-pound loaf crusty country-style white bread (like Great Harvest) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme (still should be good from the garden) 1 large minced clove garlic 6 Tbsp. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 1 pound thinly sliced assorted fresh mushrooms (such as crimini , button, portobello , and stemmed shitake ) 1 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper ...

"Autumn is the eternal corrective. It is ripeness and color and a time of maturity; but it is also breadth, and depth, and distance. What man can stand with autumn on a hilltop and fail to see the span of his world and the meaning of the rolling hills that reach to the far horizon?" - Hal Borland ( http://naturewriting.com/hal.htm ) ~ Rounding the bend ~ The South Shore ~ Autumn's fading face (Hubbard Lake)

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air. " - Eric Sloane ( http://www.ericsloane.com/ ) ~ Surrounding woods ~ Oak leaf and autumn fern ~ Peaceful lake ~ Autumn clouds and sky ~ Beloved oak leaves

"The snapping of pitch from a burning log, The faint scent of pine filling the room. Flames leaping about as if it were a ballet Performing for its audience. The soft, comforting glow of candlelight, Bringing with it serenity and quiet thoughts." - Linda Christensen ( Autumn's Beauty ) ~ Quiet evening by the fire (Hubbard Lake) ____________ AUTUMN PEAR CRISP ~ Daylight savings is always a shock! Sit back and relax by the crackling fire with a lovely glass of port and this delicious autumn dessert. * 6 cups (ripe but firm) peeled, cored, and sliced Bartlett, Bosc , or Comice pears (or similar seasonal apples) 1 cup plump raisins, soaked in port 1/2 -3/4 cup brown sugar (depending on sweetness of fruit) 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 Tbsp. flour 1 Tbsp. cinnamon (or 1 tsp. nutmeg) Topping: 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar scant salt 1 lightly beaten egg 1 stick melted butter Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Combing pears (apples) plumped raisins , brown sugar, and lemon juice...

"So dull and dark are the November days. The lazy mist high up the evening curled, And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze; The place we occupy seems all the world." - John Clare (November) ~ Sunset (Hubbard Lake)

" Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. " ~Albert Camus ~ AUTUMN LEAVES __________ SPINACH, PEAR and WATERCRESS SALAD with HONEY-MUSTARD DRESSING (from Pontiac's old Pike Street Restaurant ) * Dressing: 1/2 cup Peanut Oil 1/4 cup Honey 1 tsp. Hungarian Paprika 5 Tbsp. Cider vinegar 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard 2 1/2 Tbsp. Chopped Garlic 2 tsp. Grated Fresh Ginger Root Juice of 1 Large Lemon Salad: 1 Lb. Fresh Spinach Leaves 2 Ripe Bosch or D'Anjou Pears 2 Bunches Fresh Watercress Procedure: Wash spinach well, remove all stems. Make dressing. Cut pears in half, core and julienne. Place pears in some of the dressing so they don't brown. Wash watercress, remove long part of stem. Put spinach leaves in bowl, coat leaves with a bit of dressing. Place on plates, garnish with pears and watercress. Note: Past post from November 4, 2006 _________________ SPICY ASIAN GRILLED SHRIMP with COCONUT RICE ~ Sweet coconut smooths and compliments the fiery flavored...