THE VILLAGE VOICE

“Every friend is to the other a sun, and a sunflower also. He attracts and follows.” ~ Jean Paul Richter Hubbard Lake Sunset and Brunch Sunflowers

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller UPSIDE-DOWN PEAR SKILLET CAKE ~ Another treasured autumn treat from 1991 issue of Bon Appetit ('Baking a cake in a skillet is a time-honored tradition. French cooks use one for tarte Tatin, which this dessert resembles; here in the U>S> it was the way to go with pineapple upside-down cakes back in the fifties.") ________________ 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces 1 1/3 cups AP flour 1 1/3 cups sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 large eggs 1/2 cup corn or vegetable oil 1 small, unpeeled, coarsely grated pear 1 Tbsp. grated peeled fresh ginger (1 tsp. ground) 4 peeled, cored pears (cut into 6 wedges) good vanilla/vanilla bean ice cream Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350-degrees. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over bottom of heavy 12-inch ovenproof skillet (preferabl...

"With a few flowers in my garden, half a dozen pictures and some books, I live without envy." ~ Lope de Vega ~ From a September bouquet ____________ GRILLED TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN SALAD ~ Big and bold like the sunflower ... perfect for a warm September day (adapted from Pamela Morgan's Flavors ) ________________________ 6 large boneless chicken breast halves Marinade: 3 chopped green onions 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. tequila 6 cloves minced garlic 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. soy sauce * 3 ears of shucked corn 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 roasted red peppers, cut in strips 1 diced medium red onion 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro 3 Tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 Tbsp. lime zest freshly ground pepper to taste 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil coarse salt 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. Tabasco Sauce 1 ripe avocado 2 ripe tomatoes cut in chunks cilantro sprigs Combine green onions, lime juice, olive oil, tequila, ...

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller Ah, Sunflower by William Blake (1757-1827) _ Ah, sunflower, weary of time, Who countest the steps of the sun; Seeking after that sweet golden clime Where the traveller's journey is done; Where the Youth pined away with desire, And the pale virgin shrouded in snow, Arise from their graves, and aspire Where my Sunflower wishes to go! ___ _____________ CASHEW ZUCCHINI CRESCENT PIE ~ A summer favorite for over thirty years. Perfect for brunch with a fruit salad or dinner with grilled steak. ______________ 8 oz. can Pillsbury Crescent rolls 1 cup or more cashew nuts 4 medium zucchini squash 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 crushed clove garlic 1 tsp. dill weed or more to taste 1/4 tsp. coarse salt freshly ground pepper to taste 2 large organic eggs 8 oz. small cubed or shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mixture 1/2 Monterey and 1/2 cheddar or Colby) 1 Tbsp. chopped fres...

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller

"To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup.” ~ Laurie Colwin ~ Sunflower _____________ SOUTHWESTERN CORN & CHEESE CHOWDER ~ Sarah Leah Chases's delicious spicy chowder to warm the palate on a chilly winter day ... (from a favorite cookbook - COLD-WEATHER COOKING) __________ 2 peeled and cubed extra-large sweet potatoes 6 cups chicken stock 1 (12-oz) bottle Mexican beer 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 bay leaf 4 oz. finely diced thick bacon 1 large chopped onion 2 cloves minced garlic 1 can (16-oz) creamed corn 1 can (4-oz) diced green chilies 2 tsp. best-quality chili powder cayenne pepper to taste 2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese salt to taste 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Place sweet potatoes, 3 cups of chicken broth, beer, cumin and bay leaf in medium saucepan. Bring to boil then simmer until potatoes are crisp-tender, 12-15 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Meanwhile cook bacon until crisp in large stockpot. Remove bacon and dr...

AUGUST'S CROWN Whilst August yet wears her golden crown, Ripening fields lush-bright with promise; Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing, Her fading green glory on to riotous Autumn. ~ Michelle L. Thieme ~ Sunflower fields (Hubbard Lake) _______________ 'BIG FAT' MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN BURGERS ~ Perfect for a balmy early autumn day * 2 pounds ground sirloin 1 finely chopped medium onion 2 cloves finely minced garlic 12-oz. jar roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped 3 Tbsp. fresh bread crumbs 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup minced fresh basil 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary salt & pepper to taste 1 cup drained and sliced artichoke hearts 6 slices provolone cheese fresh favorite greens 6 large grilled hamburger rolls Sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 finely minced garlic cloves 1 Tbsp. drained capers Gently combine ground sirloin, onions, garlic, roasted peppers, bread crumbs, olive oil, herbs and salt ...