THE VILLAGE VOICE

For the French, New Year Means Good Oysters (and this was the tradition in my home growing up) "We are having oysters for Christmas and for New Year's Eve. The tradition is that you have to eat oysters for feast. So if there are no oysters for New Year's Eve, for instance, something is missing." (Jean Goese) "Oysters accompanied by white wine or champagne are eaten raw in France, scrapped out of their shells with tiny forks while still alive ..." (Eleanor Beardsley) OYSTER STEW (Christmas or New Year's Eve Favorite) 2  pints oysters in their liquid 10  Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/2  cup flour 4-6  stalks minced celery and leaves 2-3  minced large shallots 4 - 6  cups 1/2 and 1/2 or mix of heavy cream and milk Tabasco splashes to taste 1 cup minced fresh parsley freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste Strain and reserve oyster liquor. Strain oyster liquor again to remove any sand or grit. Discard...

"October is Nature's funeral month. Nature glories in death more than in life. The month of departure is more beautiful than the month of coming—October than May. Every green thing loves to die in bright colors."  ~Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) ( October Glory ~ Hubbard Lake, MI) PARMESAN GARLIC SPINACH SPAGHETTI SQUASH ~  Slightly adapted from Peas And Crayons  1  Medium spaghetti squash 2  1/2  Tbsp. minced garlic 1  Tbsp. organic olive oil (or avocado oil) 5 - 8  oz.  chopped fresh spinach 1/2  cup cream or sour cream 1  Tbsp. cream cheese 1/2  cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste grated or sliced mozzarella for topping to taste (although have never done this using only Parmesan) Pre-heat oven to 400º. Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop our seeds. (For easy cutting, pierce squash ...

GARLIC GINGER SHRIMP on NEST OF SOBA NOODLES ~ An ever pleasing  favorite compliments of Baker by Nature 12  oz.  soba noodles 1/4  cup sesame oil 2  Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1  large thinly sliced shallot (I like more) 2  tsp. peeled and grated fresh ginger 8  coarsely chopped garlic cloves 1  lb. large shelled and deveined shrimp zest and juice of one large lime coarse salt to taste 3  finely chopped scallions 1/2  cup chopped cilantro 1/2  tsp. crushed red pepper Lime wedges for garnish Bring large pot of water to boil. Add soba noodles and cook, stirring occasionally until tender; 4 minutes (or recommended on package). Drain and risen noodles udders cold water. Transfer noodles to a large serving bowl. In medium bow, combine 2 Tbsp. of the sesame oil with the soy sauce. Add sauce to noodles and toss. In skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. of oil. Add shallots and ginger and cook over med...

"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand." ~ Irish Blessing CORNED BEEF WITH ROASTED CABBAGE, RAINBOW CARROTS, YUKON GOLD POTATOES & HORSERADISH CREAM Simple 'One Plate' Supper compliments of Once Upon a Chef  https://www.onceuponachef.com For Corned Beef and Vegetables 1  4-lb flat cut corned beef with seasonings packet (do not trim fat) 4  Tbsp. melted unsalted butter 2  Tbsp. prepared horseradish 1  1/2  tsp salt 1/4  tsp. freshly ground black pepper 6  diagonally sliced carrots 1  1/4  lb. halved small gold potatoes 1 very small head of green cabbage, sliced into slabs Italian Parsley for garnish  For Horseradish Cream Sauce 1  cup sour cream 2  Tbsp. prepare...

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell Hubbard Lake Cottage Fireplace SHEET PAN HONEY ROASTED NORWEGIAN SALMON with BRUSSELS SPROUTS and RAINBOW CARROTS   ~ sometimes the simplest things are the best  (slightly adapted from Cooking Light ) 1  1/2  lbs.  Norwegian Salmon (or any favorite seasonal salmon) Salmon Marinade: 1  1/2  Tbsp. low sodium soy or tamari 1  Tbsp. virgin olive oil 1  Tbsp. honey 1  Tbsp. fresh lime juice plus zest 1  minced garlic clove 1  tsp. freshly grated ginger Preheat oven to 400º. Coat foil-lined baking sheet pan with cooking spray. Combine ingredients for Salmon Marinade and pour over salmon. Set aside. 2  Tbsp. virgin olive oil 1  minced garlic clove 12  oz.  trimmed and halv...