THE VILLAGE VOICE

For the history of Michigan Maple Syrup "old as the land itself" browse ... THE MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUP SCRAPBOOK CEDAR PLANKED SALMON WITH MAPLE GLAZE ~ Native Americans pioneered the art of roasting on wood planks. The wonderful aroma of red cedar adds a sweet, spicy, roasted flavor. This wonderful recipe ( a 'perfect' marriage of maple syrup & cedar) came with the plank. * 1 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger root 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 2 1/2 lbs. center-cut salmon fillet with skin Greens from 1 bunch scallions In a small heavy saucepan simmer maple syrup, ginger root, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and salt & pepper to taste until reduced to about 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Let cool. Maple glaze may be make 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring maple glaze to room temperature before proceeding. Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Season surface of plank lightly with cooking oil....

" Forsythia is pure joy. There is not an ounce, not a glimmer of sadness or even knowledge in forsythia. Pure, undiluted, untouched joy. " ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh GARDENING TIP: Buckle your galoshes ... grab a pail and pruning shears and trudge through the snow. Snip forsythia branches all the way to the main stem. Back inside, fill bucket with cold water and let rest 24 hours. Tomorrow, snip ends and arrange in container or vase, stripping leaves and buds below water line. Bursting buds will appear in a week or two. SPRINGHOUSE SALAD WITH ORANGE VINAIGRETTE ~ Enjoy citrus while still at its peak ... delightful salad for lunch or light supper __________ 1 large head romaine bunch of watercress 2 large wedge-sliced avocados dipped in freshly squeezed orange juice 2 large wedge-sliced red or green pears dipped in freshly squeezed orange juice 2 oranges, peeled and sectioned 3-6 sliced cooked chicken breasts (gently poach in fresh orange juice, water, a bit of white wine...

" If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. " ~ Anne Bradstreet ((British poet, 1612-1672) ~ 'Beautiful adversity' ~ 'Welcome prosperity'

Multiple Personality Day When : Always March 5 th " Multiple Personality Day is an opportunity to get in touch with yourselves. Someone with a split personality has two personalities. Someone with multiple personalities has more than two personalities . Its a psychological disorder that we hope none of our readers have. When you wish someone 'Happy Multiple Personalty Day' , you may need to do so multiple times, once for each personality. " ~ Holiday Insights ~ 'Multiple Personality' Rose __________ COFFEE BAKED ALASKA with MOCHA SAUCE ~ A newer twist on and old 'multiple personality (hot & cold)' yummy '50s favorite, perfect for this crazy 'multiple personality' month of March. ( Bon Appetit 1999) _____ CAKE 1 quart softened coffee ice cream 1 (10.75 oz.) frozen pound cake 4 large room temperature egg whites 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) 1/3 cup sugar SAUCE 1 1/2 cups freshly brewed strong coffee ...

" Those of us who are gardeners do not need to train ourselves to be aware of the seasons, intuitively or any other way, for the seasons have us by the throat. " ~ Germaine Greer ~ A Winter Night's Dream ________________ SCONES with ROSE PETALS and PISTACHIOS ~ Tuck this delicious recipe from FLOWERS in the KITCHEN away until roses bloom. Be sure to use pesticide-free flowers (best to grow your own). ________ 2 1/4 cups unbleached white flour 2 tsp. sugar 3/4 tsp. salt 2-3 pinches cinnamon 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/3 cup pistachios (lightly toasted & finely ground) 1 cup cream 1 tsp. rose water (can be found at Specialty Food Stores or Whole Foods) 1 cup confectioner's sugar 1 Tbsp. rose jelly (or red current jelly mixed with 1/2 tsp. rose water) Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and blend thoroughly. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in pistachios. Stir in cream together with rose water. Rinse rose petal...

~ 'Treasured' tree _________ " Let us a little permit Nature to take her own way; she better understands her own affairs than we. " ~ Michel Eyquem de Montaigne ~ The gift

~ Daffodil (March Flower of the Month) __________ GRILLED ROSEMARY LAMB CHOPS ~ Snow stopped! Light the grill and enjoy this succulent treat. ______ 6 Thick (1 1/2 inch) lamb chops 3 cloves minced garlic 1-2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 3 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil light sprinkle coarse salt freshly ground black pepper to taste Massage lamb chops with a little salt & pepper. Combine garlic, Dijon, fresh lemon juice, rosemary and thyme. Whisk in olive oil and pour over chops. Marinate several hours (zip lock bag works well). Allow to come to room temperature, remove from marinade, and grill to desired doneness . Serve with crisp salad and Grilled Fresh Asparagus. _____ GRILLED FRESH ASPARAGUS Toss asparagus spears with olive oil and a few splashes of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper. Grill until slightly caramelized.