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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. ThereÂ’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 didnÂ’t see it, Mom," they frequently reply.

"IÂ’ll bet you donÂ’t do this in somebody elseÂ’s house," you say.

"But thatÂ’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 birdsÂ’ 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. SheÂ’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