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...

MANHATTAN-STYLE SEAFOOD STEW ~ 'Tried & true' keeper recipe from Bon Appetit /Jan 1991 _____ 5 slices bacon, chopped 1 1 /2 large onions, chopped 5 large shallots or green onions, chopped 3 28-oz. cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained 3 8-oz. bottles clam juice 3/4 cup dry white wine 3 bay leaves 1/4 generous tsp. dried crushed red pepper 1 lb. peeled & quartered white rose potatoes *, sliced thin sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste _ 24 clams (about 3 -1/2 lbs.) , well scrubbed 1/2 lb. sea scallops, halved crosswise 1/2 lb. uncooked medium shrimp, peeped, deveined (tails left intact) _ 30 thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 1 Tbsp. julienned lemon peel _ *Note: White Rose Potatoes are light tan, oval shaped, smooth thin-skinned potatoes with very small eyes. Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until fat renders, about 5 minutes. Add onions and shallots and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Chop tomatoes in processor. Add to pot with clam juice, win...