Country Kitchen:
Mud Season Means Spring
By Mary Emma Allen
Midst the frosty weather that often lingers, we nevertheless glimpse
signs of spring. We feel warmer breezes and know the snow will
disappear. The melting snow also creates puddles through which
our children splash and play. There’s something about a mud puddle
which lures a child to walk right through the deepest
part.
Although we might wish that just one year went by without the oozing
mud that seems to be everywhere, inside the house and out, we find it a
natural ingredient of the season. We may as well endure until the ground
dries up.
Kids, Dogs & Husbands
No matter how often we admonish, "Wipe your feet before you come
indoors," children and their friends, husband, and dog track an
endless procession of this substance into the house.
"I didn’t see it, Mom," they frequently reply.
"I’ll bet you don’t do this in somebody else’s house," you say.
"But that’s not home," seems to excuse these activities.
"Will mud season ever end?" we wonder as we battle this brownish film
with broom and mop and pail.
Spring is Here
But then we stop to notice the beauties of spring that gradually
make an appearance...the warm, gentle breezes, the birds’ melodies, the greening
of grass, the swelling buds on the trees, and the crocuses and daffodils.
We hear a grandson exclaim, "Nanny, hear the birdies singing. They
sound so
nice."
So we think perhaps we can battle a little mud as long as it means the
long winter
is over and spring with its invigorating new life has begun.
Mary Emma's Recipes
CHICKEN/BROCCOLI BAKE - Debone 4 whole cooked chicken breasts and cut
into pieces. Cook 2 packages broccoli spears until tender, yet crisp.
Lay broccoli in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place chicken over broccoli.
Mix together 1 can cream mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1/4
cup
grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 small can mushroom
pieces, drained.
Pour over chicken and broccoli.
Bake at 350 degrees F. about 45 minutes or until bubbly.
PISTACHIO SALAD is a festive dish my daughter frequently makes.
Mix together and chill - one 20-oz. can crushed pineapple, one 9-oz.
container
whipped topping, one 3-oz. package instant pistachio pudding (dry), 1/2
cup chopped
maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows, 1/2 cup chopped
nuts.
(Amounts of cherries, marshmallows, and chopped nuts can vary between
1/4 to
1/2 cup.)
(C) 2002 Mary Emma Allen
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen has been writing her "Cooking Column" for newspapers
and online publications for 30 years and
has compiled a family cookbook. She’s currently compiling a
cookbook/story book,
"Tales From a Country Kitchen." Visit her web site for more cooking
articles. Contact her at me.allen@juno.com
The Country Kitchen Series
Window to the World
Mud Season Means Spring!
Memories at the Kitchen Table
The Pioneer Kitchen
