THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~ Ellis Peters "Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire." ~ Virgil

"April is a promise that May is bound to keep." ~ Hal Borland LAMB CHOPS with LEMON & HERBS (Spring lamb calls as does the grill ... a delightful marriage of flavors - adapted from BON APPETIT April 2011 ) 3 minced large shallots 6 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint 6 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano (3 tsp. dried is fine since fresh is often strong) 6 minced cloves of fresh garlic (here I omit 1 Tbsp. of sugar plus 1 Tbsp. salt and add freshly ground black pepper to taste plus a hint of coarse salt ) 12 lamb rib chops (from 2 1 1/4 - 1/2 lbs. french cut racks of lamb 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 hefty Tbsp. grated lemon peel (zest) coarse salt & freshly ground pepper fresh mint sprigs for garnish Combine shallots, mint, oregano, garlic, salt & pepper. On a large baking sheet, press rounded mixture onto the top of each lamb chop. Turn over and press remaining mixture. Cover chops and refrigerate overnight. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, a...

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~ Ellis Peters CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

"Not one of flora's brilliant race A form more perfect can display; Art could not feign more simple grace Nor nature take a line away." From "On Planting a Tulip-Root" James Montgomery 1771-1854 TULIP TUNA ~ from Edible Flowers (Cathy Wilkinson Barash) ______________ 12 brightly colored 'pesticide free' tulips (reds, yellows, oranges or multicolored are preferable) 2 drained cans albacore tuna packed in water 4 chopped stalks of celery 1 tsp. curry powder 1/3 cup mayonnaise lettuce Remove petals from 8 of the tulips, cutting off 1/4 inch where petal was attached (this can be bitter). Julienne petals. In a large bowl, mix tuna, celery, curry and mayonnaise. Add julienned petals and gently toss. Cut off stems and remove the pistils and stamens from the 4 preserved tulips. Lay each tulip on a bed of lettuce. Gently spoon tuna mixture into the tulips. ( This is also good with your favorite chopped chicken salad recipe.) NOTE: Though 'pecticide-fr...

"And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest." ~Percy Bysshe Shelley "The Sensitive Plant" Siberian Squill ( Scilla siberica ) Yoshino Cherry, Forsythia, Lungwart ____________ MEDITERRANEAN TORTA ~ Simple layered loaf of mouth-watering goodness ______ 1 large round bakery loaf of sour dough, boule , or peasant bread 2 large sliced roasted red peppers* 2 large sliced roasted yellow peppers* (short cut ~ 16 oz. jar fire roasted yellow & red peppers) 8 oz. sliced provolone cheese 15 sliced in half sun-dried tomatoes 8 oz. sliced mozzarella cheese 14 oz. jar drained and halved artichoke hearts 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or quality store bought) Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Slice off 1/4 from top of bread. Hollow out leaving 1/2-inch shell. (Use inside for breadcrumbs. Toast and freeze for later use.) Layer ingredients inside shell in the fol...