THE VILLAGE VOICE

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."   ~ Proverb HONEY DIJON SALMON ~  delicious Lenten offering with Roasted Cauliflower and healthy baked Sweet Potato for color and flavor 1  lb. salmon (trout or like fish) 1/4  cup extra-virgin olive oil 3  Tbs. honey 3  Tbs. Dijon Mustard 2  cloves minced garlic 3  Tbs. fresh lemon juice plus zest 1/2  tsp. coriander cayenne pepper to taste dill weed to taste freshly ground pepper to taste Combine oil, honey, mustard, garlic, lemon juice plus zest, coriander, cayenne, dill, and ground pepper.  Pour over salmon and marinate for 30 minutes or longer. Bring to room temperature and grill on high for 7 minutes or, depending on thickness, until done to liking. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER Separate head of cauliflower into florets. Spread florets on roasting pan sprayed with Pam. Drizzle florets with good olive oil and toss until coated. S...

"If I keep a green bough in my heart, then the singing bird will come. " ~ Chinese Proverb ASPARAGUS SOUP (a simple taste of spring adapted from the Silver Palate Cookbook) __________ 2 pounds sliced asparagus (reserve tips) 1 large bunch of leeks 2 quarts organic chicken broth 1 stick sweet butter coarse salt freshly ground black pepper sour cream chives Melt butter in large stockpot. Simmer clean chopped leeks until soft, about 20 minutes, stirring often. Add chicken stock, and sliced asparagus . Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until asparagus is very soft. Puree stock with hand blender or in blender, a batch at a time. Return to pot and add tips, simmering until tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle in bowl and top with dollop of sour cream and chopped chives. (8 servings) (In the spring, the soup looks lovely topped with chive blossoms. When the weather is warm, serve the soup cold blended with 1/2 cup of...

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises." ~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca JAPANESE PAINTED FERN LENTEN ROSE (Helleborus Orientalis) FERN HOSTA ~ LADY FERN Annabelle Hydrangea COLEUS 'Chocolate Mint' FERN AUTUMN FERN AUTUMN FERN HOSTA (Click on photo to enlarge)

"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view." ~ H. Fred Ale Boston Fern (chartreuse), Variegated Ivy _________________ CHICKEN & TORTELLINI SOUP ~ Warming winter fare ... add crusty bread and tossed salad for a complete simple supper (adapted from 2006 Quick & Simple Magazine) ____________ 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 diagonally sliced bunch of green onions 1 large minced clove garlic 1 Julienne sliced orange, yellow, or red pepper 6 oz. sliced shitacki or baby bella mushrooms 6-8 cups organic chicken broth 1 1/2 -2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie is good) 2 cups baby spinach 1 9 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heat olive oil in large stockpot. Add green onions, pepper and garlic. Saute until tender crisp. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Add chicken broth and brin...