THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men." ~ Chinese Proverb Pussy Willow ( Photoshop fun) _____________ ROAST LEG of LAMB with TARRAGON MINT BUTTER ~ Spring lamb basted with fresh herbs, garlic smashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus and carrots complete this delightful seasonal meal, perfect for Easter (adapted from Bon Appétit - April 2009) ________ Lamb: 1 6 1/2 lb. well-trimmed leg of lamb several 1-inch strips (very thin) orange peel 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 2 cups dry red wine 1 cup low-salt chicken broth 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 tsp. finely grated orange peel tarragon and mint sprigs for garnish Lamb : Using small sharp knife, make 1-inch deep slits all over lamb. Insert 3 or 4 orange peel strips in each slit. Can do 1 day ahead (wrap in plastic and chill). Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 450º. Heat oil in large skillet. Sprinkle lamb with coarse salt and pepper. Add lamb to skillet an...

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~Ellis Peters ~ Spring container garden (Daffodil, pussy willow, primrose, English daisy) ___________ CEDAR PLANKED SALMON WITH MAPLE GLAZE ~ Native Americans pioneered the art of roasting on wood planks. The rich aroma of red cedar adds a sweet, spicy, roasted flavor. This keepsake recipe ( a 'perfect' marriage of maple syrup & cedar) came with the Chinook plank . ___ 1 cup pure Michigan maple syrup 2 Tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger root 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 2 1/2 lbs. center-cut salmon fillet with skin Greens from 1 bunch scallions In a small heavy saucepan simmer maple syrup, ginger root, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and salt & pepper to taste until reduced to about 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Let cool. Maple glaze may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring maple glaze to room temperature before proceeding. Preheat oven ...

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring." ~Bern Williams ~ Pussy Willow in Clouds

~ Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) ~ Early spring daffodils, pussy willow, English daisy and 'kissing clouds' (square 1) _______________ The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day, When the sun is out and the wind is still, You're one month on in the middle of May. But if you so much as dare to speak, A cloud comes over the sunlit arch, A wind comes off a frozen peak, And you're two months back in the middle of March. ~ Robert Lee Frost (Two Tramps in Mud Time) ~ Heralding daffodil and sky ~ Pussy willow and sky ___________________ COCONUT MERINGUES ~ Coconut ... the essence of spring and a perfect 'Happy Ending' to a beautiful day ( Cooking Light ) ___ 4 large organic egg whites 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided Preheat oven to 225-degrees. Cover 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and secure with masking tape. Place egg whites and c...

MORE LIKE MARCH! Fifty and fabulous ... _____________________ GARDENER'S TIP ~ If you don't own a Garden Diary, do yourself a favor and purchase one. Recording triumphs and failures not only leads to more success but also makes for great winter reading. _________ ~ Pussy Willow ________________ CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP ~ rich Gouda cheese adds to the creamy consistency * 1/2 lb. diced bacon strips 1/2 stick unsalted plus 3 Tbsp. bacon grease 1 large chopped onion 2 cloves garlic 1 large cauliflower broken into florets 6 medium chopped carrots 4 medium chopped potatoes 2 stalks of celery plus tender leaves 1 small bunch fresh parsley 8 cups organic chicken broth salt & white pepper to taste 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika 8 oz. shredded Gouda cheese chopped chives additional shredded Gouda for garnish Fry bacon in large stockpot until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain pot leaving 3 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add butter and melt. Saute onion and garlic until onion is wilted. Car...