Spring Rain Poems and Strawberry Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette

April Rain Song 

by Langston Hughes 

Let the rain kiss you. 

Let the rain beat upon your head 

with silver liquid drops. 

Let the rain sing you a lullaby. 

The rain makes still pools 

on the sidewalk. 

The rain makes running pools 

in the gutter. 

The rain plays a little sleep-song 

on our roof at night. 

And I love the rain.

In Time of Silver Rain 

by Langston Hughes 

In time of silver rain 

The earth 

Puts forth new life again, 

Green grasses grow 

And flowers lift their heads, 

And all over the plain 

The wonder spreads 

Of life, 

Of life, 

Of life! 

In time of silver rain 

The butterflies 

Lift silken wings 

To catch a rainbow cry, 

And trees put forth 

New leaves to sing 

In joy beneath the sky 

As down the roadway 

Passing boys and girls 

Go singing, too, 

In time of silver rain 

When spring 

And Life 

Are new. 

 Strawberry Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook's notes: Using Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar elevates this simple vinaigrette to a whole new level. This salad was made with fresh baby spinach, sliced of cooked chicken, cucumbers and dried cranberries. Fresh blueberries or strawberries would be other options for dried cranberries. Top with dressing and toasted pecans. Yum Yum! 
Other surprising uses for chocolate balsamic vinegar besides dressings include: drizzled over ice-cream, fresh berries especially strawberries, added to brownie batter, and pairs well with Blood Orange Olive Oil.  
Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 TB. olive oil or Blood Orange Olive Oil
• 2 TB.balsamic vinegar or chocolate balsamic
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash of ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp.dried tarragon
• 1/4 tsp. honey

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.
• Blend until smooth. Drizzle on your salad and store the rest in a sealed container in the fridge.