THE VILLAGE VOICE

January is the quietest month in the garden. ... But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean that nothing is happening. The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants. The feasting earthworms tunnel along, aerating the soil and preparing it to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come. ~ Rosalie Muller Wright (Editor of Sunset Magazine) NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER ~ a piping hot bowl of creamy chowder warms both body and spirit (The New Basics Cookbook) __________ 2 dozen well scrubbed cherrystone clams 2 cups water 8 oz. slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 large onions (about 4 cups), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 6 peeled potatoes (about 4 cups), cut into 1/2-inch dice 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cups milk 2 cups heavy cream 3 Tbs. chopped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley Place c...

"To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup.” ~ Laurie Colwin View from library window __________________ MINESTRONE with WINTER PESTO ~ Warming favorite for a cold winter night (adapted from an old 1983 January Bon Appetit ) _____________ 1/2 cup dried, rinsed and sorted navy beans (preferably Michigan) 4 minced cloves garlic 4 chopped medium onions 3 chopped celery stalks plus leaves 1 diced potato 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 5 1/2 cups organic beef broth 2 chopped tomatoes (about 12 oz.) 6 Tbsp. tomato paste 3 diced carrots 8 oz. fresh diagonally sliced green beans 2 diced zucchini 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme (1 tsp. dried) 1-2 tsp. dried oregano coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste WINTER PESTO Let navy beans soak overnight. Drain and transfer to large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in large stockpot. Add garlic, onions, celery and pot...

"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup." ~ Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Sunrise _____________ WINTER WHITE BEAN & PASTA SOUP ~ Hearty potage for a cold winter evening _________________ 1 cups dried white beans ( Cannellini , navy or Great Northern) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 cup finely diced onions 2 diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery or fennel 4 minced cloves garlic 1 tsp. dried red pepper flakes 2 bay leaves 8 cups organic chicken broth 4 oz. bow tie pasta 1/2 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes 2 cups baby spinach 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley coarse salt & freshly ground pepper Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Soak bean overnight (or quick soak by placing beans in large pot of cold water to cover and bring to boil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour). Drain. Heat oil in large stockpot and saute onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and pepper flakes until vegetables are limp. Add beans, stock and bay leaves. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, part...