THE VILLAGE VOICE

It’s no coincidence that February is both American Heart Month and National Cherry Month, since science suggests cherries may offer powerful heart-health benefits. Click here to learn more… ~ Yoshino Cherry blossoms ___________________ CHERRY OATMEAL BREAD ~ Heart smart oatmeal and cherries, a good way to begin the day ________________ 2 cups flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup rolled oats 2 organic eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup dried cherries Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt & sugar into a large bowl. Stir in rolled oats. Beat eggs in a bowl. Add oil and milk and mix well and incorporate into flour mixture, mixing well. Add dried cherries. Pour into greased 5x9 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing. (10 servings) --------------- Did you know that Michigan is the largest producer of Montmorency tart cherries, growing 70-75% of the crop? With Februar...

~ Dicentra 'Gold Heart' _________________ LAMB KABOBS WRAPPED in PITA ~ 'Guilt free' delicious choice for the holiday weekend ______ 1 1/2 lbs. boneless leg of Spring lamb, cut in cubes 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 2 cloves minced garlic juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon 1 tsp. coarse salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 cup plain yogurt 1 clove minced garlic 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 4-6 large pitas Tabbouleh ( Tabouli ) Place lamb in large bowl. Combine olive oil, thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and salt & pepper. Toss with lamb and marinate for several hours. Combine yogurt, garlic, thyme, oregano and lemon juice. Set aside. Thread lamb cubes on skewers. Broil or grill about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Meanwhile, toast pitas lightly on the grill until warmed. Remove lamb from skewers and place on Tabbouleh . Drizzle with yo...

Gardener's Note: This brilliant 'old-fashioned' bleeding heart POPS in a shade garden . Surprisingly hearty with long lasting blooms, its sunny leaves will glow throughout spring and summer. ~ Bleeding Heart ( Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart') _______________________ GINGER CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS ~ Heart healthy meal everyone will enjoy * 3 (4-oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts 3 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger 3 cloves crushed fresh garlic 3 Tbsp. Tamari or organic soy sauce 3 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. sesame oil (spicy or regular) 1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 tsp. cornstarch 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil or peanut oil 1 1/2 cups thin matchstick sliced carrots 2 cups julienne sliced red, yellow or orange pepper 1 cup matchstick sliced snow peas 1 cup fresh bean sprouts 3/4 cup sliced green onions 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds Bibb lettuce leaves for 6 servings Cut chicken into thin strips. Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice vi...