THE VILLAGE VOICE

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer.  Minute by minute they lengthen out.  It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change.  It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour." ~ Vita Sackville-West (January Sunset - Hubbard Lake, MI) ROASTED SWEET POTATO 'ZOODLES' with RED PEARS, BABY SPINACH and SAUTÉED PECANS ( adapted from Wegans ) 4  medium spiraled sweet potatoes 3-4  Red diced pears 8  oz. baby spinach 1  cup pecans or walnuts  1/4  cup extra virgin olive oil or more if needed to lightly coat 2-3  Tbsp. unsalted butter 2  Tbsp. chopped chives or dried to ta...

"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."    ~ Japanese Proverb 'Oodles of Zoodles' CURLY  POTATO FRIES For each large scrubbed sweet potato 2  Tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil 1/4  tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2  tsp. garlic powder coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste Preheat oven to 450º. Spiralize sweet potatoes (Paderno Spiralizer) or cut into slender wedges.  Toss sweet potato with oil and seasonings. Spread fries in a single layer on large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil - try not to overlap or they will steam instead of bake. Bake on top rack of oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping half way in between baking. Note: I have a 4-blade Paderno Spiralizer from Williams-Sonoma Grilled Burgers on Pretzel Buns with Sweet Potato Curly Fries