THE VILLAGE VOICE

"One of the most attractive things about the flowers is their beautiful reserve." ~ Henry David Thoreau DAYLILY ( Hemerocallis ) BEEF BURGERS with DRAMBUIE ONIONS ~ Honey added to the goat cheese cuts its tanginess and makes it spreadable ... delicious grilled burger clipped from July 2 (2008) Detroit Free Press __________ 1 1/4 lb. mix of well-chilled chuck of lean chuck steak and lean sirloin 1 tsp. garlic powder favorite AP seasoning 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. olive oil 8 oz. cleaned and sliced cremini mushrooms 3 cups sliced onions 1/3 cup Drambuie (honey-herb flavored liqueur) 4 oz. goat cheese 1 1/2 Tbsp. honey 1/4 cup mix of fresh chopped herbs of choice (thyme, basil, oregano) 1 Tbsp. chopped chives 4 mini (3-4 in. diameter) pita pocket breads Bibb or butter lettuce zucchini ribbons Place beef chunks in food processor fitted with steel blade. Pulse mixture to combine and coarsely grind. Do not overprocess . Season mixture with garlic powder, a...

"Nothing is too polished to see the beauty of flowers. Nothing too rough to be capable of enjoying them. It attracts, delights all." ~ Daniel Webster Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly ( Papilio glaucas ) Coneflower ( Echinacea ) FROZEN RASPBERRY MOUSSE ~ Fast becoming a favorite simple summer dessert ( Bon Appetit -July 2008) __________ 3 cups fresh raspberries, divided (about 16 oz.) 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 Tbsp. kirsch (clear cherry brandy) 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy whipping cram 1/2 cup sour cream 6 mint springs (garnish) Puree 2 1/2 cups raspberries, powdered sugar, and kirsch in blender until smooth. Transfer to large bowl. Beat Cream in large bowl until firm peaks form. Add sour cream and beat just to blend. Fold whipped cream mixture into raspberry puree just until incorporated. Divide mousse among 6 (6-oz) parfait glasses. Cover each with plastic wrap and freeze. About 2 hours before serving, place mousse in refrigerator to thaw slightly. Uncover mousse and top ...

" Lord make us mindful of the little things that grow and bossom in these days to make the world beautiful for us." ~ W.E. Dubois

"A garden really lives only insofar as it is an expression of faith, the embodiment of a hope and a song of praise." ~ Russell Page ~ Welcome visitors while away _________________ SHRIMP & AVOCADO SALAD ~ Summer delight ... buttery avocados balanced with the sharpness of endive (adapted from Gourmet (June 2002) ________ 1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp 2 tsp. salt 3 or more Tbsp. fresh lemon juice zest of 1 lemon 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 firm-ripe Hass avocados 1 lb. Belgian endive (4 heads), cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces Bring 2 quarts water, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and 2 tsp. salt to boil. Poach shrimp at a bare simmer, uncovered, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer with slotted spoon to a bowl of ice & cold water to stop cooking. Let shrimp chill for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Whisk together tarragon, mustard, pepper and remaining 2 Tbsp....