THE VILLAGE VOICE

Gardening Note: Prune ... prune ... prune. By now, southern Michigan forsythias have seen their day as well as many flowering trees like Shadblow , cherry, etc. Time to put those sharpened pruners to work. Shape after flowering allows adequate time to initiate new flower buds for next season. Next will be lilacs, etc. Keep a keen eye focused after flowering and your garden will not only look 'well groomed' but thank you with beautiful blooms next spring. ~ Trillium cuneatum _____________________ GRILLED CHICKEN FAJITA PIZZA ~ If it sounds unusual, it's not in the least. An easy tasty treat after a busy day in the garden. * 4 halved boneless chicken breasts juice of 1 lime & zest 2 cloves minced garlic 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper freshly ground black pepper 1 thin Boboli pizza crust 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil freshly cracked black pepper 1 cup thinly sliced red onions 1 cup red, yellow or orange...

FIESTA SHRIMP COCKTAIL ~ Jalapeno peppers give it a kick * 30 chilled cooked & deveined shrimp with tails 4 chopped and seeded plum tomatoes 1/2 coarsely chopped red onion 1 seeded jalapeno pepper 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked pepper pinch coarse salt 1 large diced ripe avocado lime slices for garnish Process tomato, onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, cayenne, salt & cracked pepper in food processor; coarsely chop. Blend in avocado . Either spoon into 6 individual cocktail glasses or one large glass bowl. Arrange chilled shrimp around edge of glass. (six servings) __________________ MUSTARD BOURBON BEEF TENDERLOIN ~ perfect for Derby Day * 1/2 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup Bourbon 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 bunch minced green onions 3 cloves minced garlic 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary freshly cracked pepper 1 (4 1/2 - ...

BREAKING TRADITION ~ time for simplicity PUMPKIN SOUP with CHILI CRAN -APPLE RELISH ~ delicious recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. butter 1 fresh bay leaf 2 ribs finely chopped celery with greens 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion salt and pepper 3 Tbsp. flour 2 tsp. thyme 2 tsp. hot sauce taste 6 cups chicken stock 1 (28-ounce) can cooked pumpkin puree 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg Relish: 1 crisp apple 1/4 finely chopped red onion 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 cup dried chopped cranberries 1 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. honey 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon In medium soup pot heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add bay leaf, celery and onion. Season veggies with salt and pepper. Cook 6-7 minutes until tender. Add flour, thyme and hot sauce. Cook for a minute. Whisk in chicken stock and bring to bubble. Whisk in pumpkin. Simmer soup 10 minutes to thicken then add cream and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serv...