MENU FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 4, 2011

As it is still cold and rainy, this is a good week to get those end of season chores done.  Clean out the fridge (amazing what one finds back there), defrost the freezers, get the cat to the vet for her shots (don’t ask her what she thinks about this subject!!!) etc.  The farm stands have seedlings for sale (early ones – like lettuce).  However, with the exception of my pansies, I’ll hold off for another week or so.  Too lousy even to be working on the deck.  It will be good to get my salad stuff going, however.  I look forward to it each year.

The menu reflects the weather – hearty braises, stews and roasts. Warner is not in the mood to get frost bite while tending the grill. (As I write this, it is April 5^th and SNOWING here….)

We have made the decision to go abroad some time in the next year or two.  Warner has lived in Paris while at the Paris Peace Talks (that’s a long story) and did a fair amount of European travel for Disney at a time when I wasn’t able to go along.  So while I did get to go to Japan with him years ago, I have never been to Europe, and it has long been a dream of mine.

We are thinking just London and Paris – and, oh, I am already imagining the bistros and cafes!! You may see this influence in my menus in the future – although I normally lean towards the French and Italian cuisines. We may even learn a little French!

Mon. AM             Julia Child’s Shrimp Quiche

                                      Tossed Salad

Mon. PM                       Scallop Nicoise with Green and Black Olives SFCB 13

                                      Steamed Rice

                                      Sautéed String Beans with Dried Cranberries

Tues. AM             Mashed Potato Cheddar Scallion Pancakes

                                      Fried Eggs, Fresh Breakfast Sausage

                                      Croissants

Tues. Pm                        Chanterelle’s Chicken and Dumplings

                                      Tossed Salad

Weds. AM            Fresh Pasta Bolognese f/I

Weds. PM            Eden’s Fabulous Pot Roast with Sun Dried Tomatoes

                                      Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

                                      Broccoli with Orange Sauce

Thurs. PM            Fresh Butternut Gnocchi w/ Fresh Asparagus, Shrimp and Pesto CL 9/10

Fri. AM                          Pain Purdue (French French Toast) BA 10/83 56

Fri. PM                          Fillet Mignon with Black Peppers and Dried Cherry Sauce

                                       Potato Schiscionera IHC

                                      Tossed Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Sat. AM                         Russian Borscht with Sour Cream and Fresh Dill

                                      Pumpernickel f/i

Sat. PM                          Cardamom Cheddar Straws FW 2011

                     Thomas Keller’s Fig Stuffed Pork Roast with Honey,

                      Fennel And Thyme AHAH69

                                      Caramelized Fennel AHAH 194

                                      Soft Polenta

Sun. AM                        Eggs Benedict

Sun PM                          Guacamole CCI

                                      Chicken Monterey with Red Peppers, Zucchini, onions, carrots

                                         Garlic, Orange Juice & Zest, Crushed Tomatoes, Rosemary,

                                         Red Peppers and Parsley SPCB 91