THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Think big thoughts but relish small pleasure s." ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (Life's Little Instruction Book) ~ Alstroemeria _____________ LINGUINI SCAMPI ~ Lemony garlic shrimp over pasta (adapted from Mirepoix Cooking School - Royal Oak) _________________ 1 1/2 lbs. linguine 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 9 cloves chopped garlic 2 lbs. large peeled and deveined shrimp 2 tsp. fresh thyme freshly ground pepper to taste Lawry's Seasoned Pepper to taste 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup) 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes fresh chopped thyme and parsley freshly grated Parmesan Follow instructions and cook pasta ' al dente ' in large pot of boiling salted water. In large pan, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute; do not let it brown. Add shrimp, season with thyme, black pepper and Lawry's Seasoned pepper. Saute until shrimp just turn pink, about 5 minutes. Remove from hea...

" There is a language 'little known', Lovers claim it as their own. Its symbols smile upon the land, Wrought by nature's wondrous hand; And in their silent beauty speak, Of life and joy, to those who seek. For Love Divine and sunny hours In the language of the flowers." ~ The Language of Flowers (Margaret Pickston) LEMON CAKE ~ a single thin slice topped with fresh berries and a scoop of good vanilla ice cream ... perfect for a simple celebration for loved ones (Barefoot Contessa - Parties ) ______________ 1/2 lb. unsalted butter (room temperature) 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 extra-large eggs (room temperature) 1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6-8 lemons) 3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 3/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature) 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Glaze: 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar 3 1/2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice Preheat oven to 350º. ...

~ Cacto de Navidad (Christmas Cactus) ~ Cyclamen, Cymbidium orchid, Ivy, Christmas Cactus " ... All seasons shall be sweet to thee, Whether the summer clothes the general earth With greenness, or the redbreast sit and sing Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch Of mossy apple-tree, while the night thatch Smokes in the sun-thaw ..." ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"Grow what you love. The love will keep it growing. " ~ Emilie Barnes ~ Ivy and cyclamen _______________ "Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers Plucked in the garden , all the summer through And winter, and it seemed as if they grew In this close room, nor missed the sun and showers." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning ~ Ivy, cyclamen and alstroemeria

~ Alstroemeria (simply lovable face) _____________ Gardner's Note: "( al ztruh mee'ree uh):n. A genus of 60 species of bulbs ( Alstroemeriaceae ) with long, thin, lancelike leaves topped with loose clusters of azalea-shaped flowers streaked in a myriad of colors. Used for massing or in borders. Commonly known as Peruvian lily . " ______________________ GNOCCHI with WILD MUSHROOMS ~ Although gnocchi is simple to prepare, with the busy season ahead consider this tasty dish from FOOD & WINE (NOV 2006 ) made even easier with store-bought gnocchi. * 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 lbs. (10 cups) stemmed mixed wild mushrooms 2 minced shallots 1/4 cup dry vermouth 3/4 cup organic chicken stock 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tsp. chopped thyme coarse salt & freshly ground pepper 2 lbs. fresh or frozen prepared gnocchi 6 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. white truffle oil (optional) Prepare broiler. In large ovenproof skillet, heat oli...