THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Every year, in November, at the season that follows the hour of the dead, the crowning and majestic hours of autumn, I go to visit the chrysanthemums ... They are indeed, the most universal, the most diverse of flowers." ~ Maurice Maeterlinck CHRYSANTHEMUM November Birth Flower is the Chrysanthemum. The History and traditions surrounding the November Birth Flower, the Chrysanthemum is fascinating. There are many myths and legends about the origins of this tradition. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire and the origins of birth month flowers, such as the Chrysanthemum, could be said to date back to these times. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts. The gifts included gemstone jewelry, such as the Topaz, and also flowers - the first traditions and origins of the November Birth Flower. ~ Birthstones.org ONION CHRYSANTHEMUMS ~ Delicious treat adapted from an old SUNSET MAGAZINE cli...

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." ~ Emily Bronte November mum (flower of the month) _____________________ SIMPLE FALL MINESTRONE ~ Fresh autumn veggies and herbs make for a cozy soup _____________ 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 chopped onions (1 red, 1 sweet) 4 minced garlic cloves 1 small chopped head bok choy , napa , or savoy cabbage 3 quarts organic chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup white vermouth (optional) 1 diced red pepper 1 diced yellow pepper 4 cups cubed sweet potato or butternut squash 2 cups diagonally sliced green beans 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme (2 tsp. dried) 2 tsp. dried oregano coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 2 (16 oz.) cans rinsed and drained cannellini beans 4 cups chopped kale or spinach grated fresh Parmesan cheese Heat oil in large stockpot. Add onion and saute until wilted. Add garlic and chopped cabbage and saute until tender. Add broth, wine, peppers, potatoes (squash), and green beans. Bring to a...

"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year." ~ Emily Dickinson CHRYSANTHEMUM (November Flower of the Month) _________ APRICOT MOUSSE ~ Sweet Decadence from an old Southern Living, perfect for the holidays _______________ 20 ladyfingers 3 (16-oz.) cans undrained apricot halves 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 5 organic egg yolks 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided 1/8 tsp. salt 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. apricot brandy (or light rum) 1 (2-oz.) package slivered almonds 1 1/2 cup whipping cream 3/4 cup whipping cream 2 Tbsp powdered sugar 1/8 tsp. almond extract Garnishes: apricots sliced toasted almonds fresh mint sprigs Cut a 30 x 3-in. strip of wax paper; line sides of a 9-inch springform pan with strip. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise; line sides and bottom of pan with ladyfingers. Drain apricots, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Set aside 4 apricots for garnish. Add remaining apricots to food processor and process 1 minutes. Set aside. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup juice and set ...

"We only part to meet again." ~ John Gay ~ 'But beautiful' ____________ "Yea, I have looked, and seen November there; The changeless seal of change it seemed to be, Fair death of things that, living once, were fair; Bright sign of loneliness too great for me, Strange image of the dread eternity, In whose void patience how can these have part, These outstretched feverish hands, this restless heart?" ~ William Morris (November)