THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul." -~ The Koran BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE ~ 1985 favorite retro-dessert ( Bon Appetit ), perfect for February (National Cher ry Month) Cherry Topping: 1 lb. (thawed) frozen unsweetened cherries 1/4 cup kirsh 1/4 cup Morello cherry syrup ( or sour cherry syrup ) Chocolate Crust: 8 12 oz. chocolate wafer cookies 6 Tbsp. (3/4 stick) well-chilled butter, cut into 12-in. pieces Chocolate Filling: 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 12 oz. coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate 16 oz. (room temperature) cream cheese 3/4 cup sugar 4 (room temperature) eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chilled whipping cream 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. kirsch Chocolate curls For topping: Soak undrained cherries and kirsch in small bowl 6 hours. Thoroughly drain cherries in strainer set over medium bow, shaking occasionally, at least 2 hours. Reserve liquid. Add enough Morello cherry syrup to cherry liquid to measure 1 cup. Pour 6 Tbsp. in...

"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...