Spring 2003 Edition       

Has Spring Really Sprung   By Jeanne Baratta (Fair Lawn's Kitchen Elf) I think I may have seen a robin outside my window today. Was it a mirage, or is spring really on its way?  I have also noticed an increase in the foot traffic in front of my Fair Lawn Avenue home. Can this be another sign? I am a bit skeptical. But wait, are those crocus blooming next to my walkway? Yes they are!  I enjoy living in an area that has all four seasons; I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. When we near the end of one season, I am usually happily anticipating the next. I must admit, I have never been more elated to see the signs of spring than I am this year. Yes, I know there is still a slight blanket of that white stuff in the shady spots of my yard, but I can now proclaim loud and clear that “spring has finally sprung”!  When the seasons change, we as people seem to change with it. For me spring is a season of renewal. Now don’t think I am going to get all philosophical with you on this one. My renewal is a little different. I am renewing the bathrooms, renewing the bedrooms, renewing my menu planning, renewing my wardrobe, and yes, I am even renewing my windows!  “Oh”, you say, “She’s talking about spring cleaning”. You may think that, but I am talking about renewal (cleaning is a bad word ). Gone will be all the snowmen, in their place will be bunnies, chicks and tulips. Away with flannel sheets and dark colored comforters, in with cool cotton sheets and pastel quilts. Goodbye to stews, rib sticking roasts and pots and pots of soup, and hello to salads and a bounty of glorious spring veggies! Now for the biggie…, today…, I opened the windows!  If you are still doubting that spring has begun, take a ride to American Nursery or Herold’s Farm on Saddle River Road. There you can gaze at rows of springtime. From the flats of pansies to the pots of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, these are the sure signs that we are out from the darkness of winter.  Oh, one more thing… I forgot I mentioned renewing my wardrobe; going from the heavy sweaters and wool pants to sundresses and shorts. Well before I do that, I better “renew” that treadmill. You know, the one with a winter’s worth of dust on it!  Here is a recipe I like to make as soon as I find fresh berries in season. It is a light and refreshing springtime dessert. Cool Berry Pie   2 ½ pints blackberries 1 ½ pint raspberries 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice a pinch of salt 1 package un-flavored gelatin ¾ cup cold water 1 graham cracker pie crust   Preparation: Gently rinse and drain berries. Place in a medium sized saucepan and sprinkle with the sugar. Crush some of the berries with a fork and toss to coat with sugar. Let stand about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, soften gelatin with 3/4 cup water, let stand 5 minutes. Add the gelatin, salt and lemon juice to the berries. Cook on medium heat, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. Cover berry mixture and refrigerate until slightly thickened (about 1 ½ hours). Pour berry mixture into piecrust, cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.  Serving: The addition of the gelatin makes this pie slice easily. Serve with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream.     Check out the Kitchen Elf's Other Wonderful Articles Happy Hour:  Rated 'G'  (March 2003) Holiday Sanity (December 2002) For The Birds  (October 2002) In My Vegetable Garden  (August 2002) What To Do With Kids on Summer Vacation  (June 2002) Family Time and Dinner Time  (April 2002) What To Give (And Not Give) Your Wife (February 2002)  Kitchen Elf on Staying Fit  (December 2001) New Market and Gourmet Apples  (October 2001)