Mosaic Monday

“Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.”
-Carl Sandburg

Hello & Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I do not know about your neck of the woods, but it is really beginning to feel like spring here in CNY - YEAH! Everyone has different memories and ideas of spring, that is what makes life so interesting. To me, hyacinths are the true harbinger of spring - especially grape hyacinths. Seeing those cute little clusters poking out of the ground is always a welcome site, plus the scent is so delightful. What is your image of spring? Enjoy!



Facts about hyacinths:

* Origin of the Hyacinth, according to Greek legend:

Two of the gods, Apollo and Zephyr, adored a handsome young Greek called Hyakinthos. Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos the art of throwing a discus.

Zephyr, who was the god of the west wind, was overcome with jealousy and he blew the discus back. It struck Hyakinthos on the head and killed him. From his blood grew a flower, which the sun god Apollo named after him.

* The word 'Hyacinth' has also surfaced in an ancient language (called 'Thracopelasgian'), which was spoken 4,000 years ago.

* The wild Hyacinth is a native of Turkey and the Middle East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Hyacinths were grown in Europe in the time of the Greeks and Romans. Both Homer and Virgil noted the sweet fragrance.

* After their initial introduction to Europe, the Hyacinth faded from history, and did not reappear until the 16th century. It was reintroduced into Western Europe from Turkey and Iran. Leonhardt Rauwolf, (a German doctor) collected some Hyacinths when he visited Turkey in 1573.

* Hyacinths have been cultivated commercially since the second half of the 16th century. They became very popular in 18th and early 19th century Europe.

* The bulbs are grown commercially in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

* The normal bloom time for Hyacinths is March to April.

* March 7th is the World Hyacinth Day.

* The Hyacinth flower symbolizes sport or play, and the blue Hyacinth signifies sincerity.


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Mangia Monday!

"The first zucchini I ever saw I killed it with a hoe."
-John Gould

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Mine was busy, but it was beautiful outside, so no complaints!

The recipe I have for you today is easy to make and if you are anything like me, you have PLENTY of zucchini to go around all summer long! This is great for a large party or simple get together - everyone is sure to enjoy!

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
-Jim Davis


Zucchini & Mozzarella Bites

Ingredients:

* 2 small zucchini, sliced in 1/3-inch rounds
* 3 1/2 oz mozzarella cheese ball, cubed into 3/4-inch sections
* 1/4 cup olive tapenade (available in jars from your grocery store)
* 1/4 cup basil pesto (available in jars from your grocery store)
* 1/4 cup roasted tomatoes, diced
* 3 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Directions:

1.) Blanch zucchini slices for 45 seconds in large pot of boiling salted water.
2.) Drain and transfer to bowl of ice water.
3.) Drain again, lay on paper towels and pat dry.
4.) Place zucchini slices on serving platter and top each zucchini with a piece of mozzarella cheese.
5.) Top cheese with small dollop of tapenade, pesto or roasted tomato.
6.) Garnish with 3-4 pine nuts.

Note:

You can microwave the zucchini slices instead of blanching. Cover a single layer of zucchini with plastic wrap and microwave for 45 seconds, then transfer to bowl of ice water and proceed with recipe.


Silly Joke of the Day:

What is a zucchini’s favorite game?
.................Squash!

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!