Book Review Wind Crossing Grasses Poems From China's Dragon Rivers

This anthology of modern Chinese poetry affords the reader an opportunity to go on a breathtaking journey along China's Yellow and Yangtze Rivers and across open grasslands. The poetry is deeply rooted in place, the earth. For their people, everything moves with the wind: grasses, trees, rivers and even emotions. It shakes, awakens, and transforms the earth. It carries soil, seeds, life, and death across continents, sculpting loess, deserts, grasslands, and fields. Readers will find poetic inspiration with these words found in the introduction, "That’s what a poet is— A gust of wind, a blade of grass, Tying sky and earth together with words." 

Award-winning and esteemed Chinese and Mongolian poets are featured in this anthology as well as some of the new vibrant generation of Chinese poets. Each poet is represented by their photo, a short bio, and a description of their home region, all anchored by maps and pertinent photos. Poems cover a wide range of subjects, including historical places, nods to ancestral heritage, the everyday routine of life, with reflections on nature and seasonal changes. Each poem has an English and Chinese translation and is a heartfelt and lovely tribute to one's homeland.   

Enjoy a seasonal poem by Mo Fei (a Chinese poet included in the anthology) 

Spring Day 

Spring is still far away, so I court spring. Date trees seem taller but bears no fruit So I court the trees 

Clouds float away till nothing remains, so I court clouds. I come to the shore, carrying the sea in my basket 

I court the train, then rain and grapefruit along the way. The grapefruit is not sweet enough, so I court lemons and tangerines 

I court spring. Winter never asks me why I never court grains or vegetables, why I never court kings and queens, but worship orchids and other nightshades between tiles bricks. The fragile roofs still court the wind 

But look at the sun. It never courts anyone, shining on those who curse it, like night courting earth, like me courting horse beans

ALL ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Wang Ping is a poet, writer, photographer, performer, and multimedia artist. Her publications have been translated into multiple languages and include poetry, short stories, novels, cultural studies, and children's stories. Her multimedia exhibitions address global themes of industrialization, the environment, interdependency, and the people. She is the recipient of numerous awards, a professor of English, and the founder of the Kinship of Rivers project.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bel Dao Bei Dao is a Chinese poet and writer of fiction who was commonly considered the most influential poet in China during the 1980s; he went into exile in 1989.

Two Spring Salads

Will you spring for these salads? 

 Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad for Two

Cook's Notes: I discovered this cilantro-lime ranch dressing, with a robust flavor that will brighten up any of your southwest salads. You can also use it to season chicken breasts by brushing it on before baking or also terrific as a topper for quesadillas or nachos. And it is gluten-free! You can easily find similar products on the shelf. 

Recipe inspiration: cookingclassy.com. The salad ingredients can be easily increased to accommodate the number of servings needed. 
Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce 
• 1-1/2-2 cups of thawed cooked shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sprinkle of  chili powder and cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced
• 1 small avocado, diced 
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 3/4 cup of Steam-fresh Mexi-Corn, drained
• Lime slices
• 1/4 cup Shredded Mexican Four Cheeses 
• Dressing of your choice

Directions:

• Heat oil in a non-stick skillet and add shrimp. Sprinkle shrimp with chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp turning once halfway through until they are cooked through, about 3 minutes.  
• Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
• To assemble salads, divide romaine among 2 plates or one large one. Top with shrimp, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and diced avocado. 
• Pour dressing over salad, top with grated cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Strawberry Snap Peas and Green Bean Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook's notes: A tangy herb vinaigrette pairs well with this spring salad. Strawberries are one of the early-bird berries of the season. Adding crisp green beans, radishes, and sweet snap peas makes this an ultra-crunchy salad.
The salad serves four and was adapted from BHG March 2014
Dressing makes 3/4 cup
Salad Ingredients:

• Chopped Romaine lettuce or spring greens
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 cup sliced radishes or watermelon radishes
• 8 oz. green beans, ends trimmed
• 8 oz. sugar snap peas
• 1/4 cup almonds

Salad Directions:

• In a large pot, cook green beans and peas in boiling salted water for 3 minutes.
• Fill a colander with ice cubes, drain beans and peas, let sit for a few minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss beans and peas with 2 tablespoons of dressing, cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
• Stir in radishes and strawberries.
• On each serving plate, add mixed greens, with strawberries, beans, and radishes
• Top with almonds and a drizzle of dressing

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup olive oil or lemon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup diced red onion 
• 1 garlic clove, minced 
• 1/4 teaspoon each dried tarragon and parsley  
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon each salt and cracked pepper

Dressing Directions:

• Add all ingredients to the blender and blend or use a screw-top jar; refrigerate to meld flavors. 
• Whisk right before serving.

Creamy Ham and Cheese Spaghetti with Red Peppers and Snap Peas.

 HAM RERUN

Looking for inspiration for your leftover ham? 

Ever Ready has got you covered with a new recipe, Creamy Ham and Cheese Spaghetti with Red Peppers and Snap Peas. 

Cook's Notes:  The recipe serves four. Advance preparation makes the cooking process more efficient and reduces stress by allowing you to focus on cooking rather than searching for items. In addition, it minimizes the risk of forgetting essential steps or ingredients during cooking.   

Advance Prep

• In a container, place diced ham and grated cheeses
• In another container, add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced red mini peppers 
• Refrigerate both containers until you start the meal preparation   

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz. of dry spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon of each butter and olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup minced onions
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets 
• 3/4 cup mini-diced red peppers
• 1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 
•  1/2 cup heavy cream
• Dash of red pepper flakes 
• 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 
•  1 tablespoon lemon juice
•  1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
•  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons  dry white wine

 Directions:

• Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. 
• Set pasta aside, keep covered.
• Melt butter with oil and at medium heat, saute garlic and onions. Adding in spices at the end. 
• Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add in chicken broth, pasta water, and cream. Cook until thickened. Add in lemon juice and cheeses. Simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until cheeses are melted.
• Add in peppers, cooked spaghetti, and diced ham. Simmer a few minutes more.  
• To serve, grate more Parmesan cheese over each serving.

     

 
 

Radish and Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Tart

Radish and Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Tart

Cook's Notes: A great start to your day with a delicious puff pastry treat. It's a combination of flavors you're sure to love. Recipe adapted from Food Network April 2019.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (half a 17-ounce package) 
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch of radishes (about 1-1/2 cups) thinly sliced
• 1-5-ounce package (container of garlic herb cheese such as Boursin) at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar  
• 2 oz. smoked salmon
• Optional garnish fresh snipped parsley, dill or tarragon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on parchment paper or a silicone pad, then transfer it to a baking sheet.

• Beat the egg with a splash of heavy cream. Brush a 1-inch border of the egg wash around the edges of the dough. Then fold in each side about 1/2 inch to make a thin border and press to seal. Prick the center of the dough all over with a fork, then brush it with egg wash.
•  Bake the dough until crisp and golden brown, 22 minutes. Prick the center of the dough with a paring knife, then gently press the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten it a bit. Remove to a wire rack to cool. 
• Meanwhile, soak radishes in a large bowl of ice water until crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain radishes and pat dry with a paper towel. 
• Mix garlic herb spread with heavy cream until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the tart with a spatula.  
• Crumble salmon pieces over the tart.
• Whisk vinegar, radishes, and a pinch of sea salt. Top the tart with sliced radishes. 
Now we have choices, choices...
Cut the tart into fourths for a brunch item or cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer.

 

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with Asparagus

 

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole with Asparagus

Cook's Notes:  This recipe is perfect for a special brunch, a holiday meal, and overnight guests. It's prepared the day before, refrigerated, and cooked the next day. How easy is that! It’s a decadent splurge meal when topped with a creamy Hollandaise sauce, but oh, so good. English muffins are cut into pieces and layered with lots of chopped Canadian bacon and asparagus. Recipe serves six, 

Knorrs Hollandaise Sauce packet is a great shortcut (timesaver) to making a homemade sauce. Follow packet directions and add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking Tip: Place muffins on a baking sheet uncovered for a few hours to dry out, so the bread does not get soggy when baking. 

Ingredients:

• 6 English Buttermilk muffins, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 (6-ounce) packages Canadian bacon, cut into small cubes (I used Canadian bacon that was not sliced, as it is easier to cube. Ham steak cubes could be substituted)
• 1½ cups fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• ¼ cup diced green onions
• 1-1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk, not skim ( I used 1 cup 2% and 1-1/2 cups half and half)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon each of chives and parsley flakes
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet of hollandaise sauce mix made according to package directions, adding in 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

• Grease well a 3 qt. Bake in a baking dish, and cube English muffins and Canadian bacon.
• Dice green onions and cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
• Spread half of the English muffin cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer half the Canadian bacon cubes, green onions, and asparagus pieces over the muffin cubes. Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese over this mixture. Repeat layers in the same order, ending with grated Swiss cheese.
• In a blender, add eggs, milk, salt, pepper, spices, and mustard. Mix well.
• Pour milk evenly over the casserole dish. Press down cubes into the milk mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  
  
  
• Bring casserole to room temperature about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncover and cook 8-10 minutes longer.
• Serve warm, drizzled with Hollandaise sauce.
  

Homemade Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

• Whisk together until well blended. Bring to a slow boil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened.

Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich

 

In my world, it can always be breakfast time anytime, especially when enjoying this Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich. 

Cook's Notes: Creamy scrambled eggs, spicy pork sausage patty, sliced tomatoes, and avocado play starring roles in the ingredient list for this sandwich. There are several options to consider when preparing the sandwich. This recipe serves two. 

• Fried eggs or scrambled
• Toast or croissant
• Sausage, ham, or go meatless for a vegetarian option

Ingredients and advanced  preparation:

• Two croissants, muffins, or pieces of toast 
• Scrambled eggs-4 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 teaspoon each Elote seasoning and herb combination (parsley flakes and spinach herb), salt, and pepper to taste.
• Pork sausage patties, pre-cooked and warmed up  (as a side note, I liked this product below as no fillers were added to the sausage mix)

• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 1 small tomato, sliced 

Directions

Step one

• Place the scrambled egg mixture in a blender and mix well.

Step Two

• Heat two sausage patties in a small skillet. Set aside on a paper towel, lightly covered with tin foil.
• Wipe the small skillet clean and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  
• Add the scrambled egg mixture and cook on a medium-low heat. 

Step Three

• Place a halved sausage patty at the bottom of each croissant. 
• Divide the scrambled mixture between the two and top with avocado and tomato slices. 

Desert Spring is unfolding.

Holiday Appetizers

 

Move over charcuterie for a jarcuterie experience.

What is a Jarcuterie?

Jarcuteries are single-serving charcuteries assembled in small jars They typically contain things like cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, berries, nuts, and crackers.

Why you will love them 

Unique and Customizable – With endless options for fillings and toppings, you can create a custom snack that caters to your taste buds. They can also be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. You can easily make vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free versions by swapping out certain ingredients or using alternatives.
Practical – Unlike a charcuterie board, these jars are perfect for serving smaller groups, making them ideal for movie nights or intimate gatherings. Plus, they are easy to assemble and require no special tools or equipment.

Mini Meatballs with Hot Pepper Jam Sauce and Jasmine Rice

Cook's Notes: Oh, the possibilities with this recipe. You can use prepared frozen meatballs to shortcut the recipe, or use my meatloaf recipe below. The meatballs can be shaped and baked a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately. This recipe makes about 22-24 meatballs. 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs (I used 3 whole bread slices)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped onion (1 small)
• 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
• 1 pound lean ground beef and 3/4 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup each ketchup and chili sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Jasmine rice-shortcut use Minute rice 
  
• Chopped cashews

Ingredients:

• In a small fry pan, saute onions and garlic.
• In a bowl, mix all ingredients, including garlic and onions. Shape into two-inch meatballs. 
• Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange meatballs on them. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. 
• Make hot pepper jelly sauce, recipe below.
• Heat meatballs and sauce together in a crockpot on low for 1-2 hours or place in a baking dish covered with foil and bake for 22 minutes.  

For the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot pepper jelly  (store-bought or homemade) check the deli  section 
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Directions:

• Place ingredients in a small saucepan,
• Whisk and cook on medium-low heat until smooth.
• Place a scoop of rice in a small dish, topping with a meatball. Add crushed cashews on top. 
  
  to the appetizer trays I added French Macarons from Costco 
  
  
  Small decorative bowls from Amazon-just in case you want to splurge 
  
  
    

  Seasoning bowls with gold rim,6 pcs Pink Cherry Flower Crystal Glass Appetizer Plates, dipping bowls, Small Glass Dish 3.26*1.42 inch ,6.2oz pink glass plates mini for charcuterie board (Phnom Penh)

https://www.amazon.com/Seasoning-Crystal-Appetizer-dipping-charcuterie/dp/B0CSSQ16YC?pd_rd_w=LFDLl&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bb79025-718b-4ad1-b8ec-68027fb35564&pf_rd_p=6bb79025-718b-4ad1-b8ec-68027fb35564&pf_rd_r=SNZ1MC25D3EVWAKM3C1V&pd_rd_wg=tCkEf&pd_rd_r