THE VILLAGE VOICE

MORE LIKE MARCH! Fifty and fabulous ... _____________________ GARDENER'S TIP ~ If you don't own a Garden Diary, do yourself a favor and purchase one. Recording triumphs and failures not only leads to more success but also makes for great winter reading. _________ ~ Pussy Willow ________________ CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP ~ rich Gouda cheese adds to the creamy consistency * 1/2 lb. diced bacon strips 1/2 stick unsalted plus 3 Tbsp. bacon grease 1 large chopped onion 2 cloves garlic 1 large cauliflower broken into florets 6 medium chopped carrots 4 medium chopped potatoes 2 stalks of celery plus tender leaves 1 small bunch fresh parsley 8 cups organic chicken broth salt & white pepper to taste 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika 8 oz. shredded Gouda cheese chopped chives additional shredded Gouda for garnish Fry bacon in large stockpot until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain pot leaving 3 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add butter and melt. Saute onion and garlic until onion is wilted. Car...

"A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle." ~ Irish Proverb ______________________________ _______________________ POTATO LEEK SOUP ~ Velvety smooth traditional Irish soup ~~~~~~~ 2 peeled and sliced pounds of white potatoes 1 well-scrubbed and sliced bunch of leeks 1 stick unsalted butter 1 large chopped white onion 3 stalks chopped celery 5 cups organic chicken stock 2 cups half & half 1 cup milk 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes 1 tsp. white pepper coarse salt to taste 1 whole bay leaf 1/4 tsp. mace fresh chopped chives or watercress Melt butter in large stock pot. Add leeks, onions and celery. Cook until wilted, stirring frequently. Add chicken stock and bring to boil. Add potatoes, parsley, salt & pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove bay leaf. In batches, puree in blender until smooth. Return to pot and add half & half and milk (or any combination to make broth rich or lighter). Stir in mace and re-season ...