February 2012

Children love to help in the kitchen and Valentine’s Day is a great time to give a young kitchen helper an apron. Boys, as well as girls, like to wear aprons while helping the home chef. Nellie Jane Designs has some fun aprons for young sous-chefs. And why not tuck a coupon in the pocket for “an afternoon of cupcake baking?”

 
From Grandma’s Cupboard...

Valentine Salad

1 cup plus 3 T. orange juice
6 T. dried cherries
3½ T. olive oil
2 T. white wine vinegar
1 T. grated orange peel
6 cups mixed greens
3 oranges peeled and sliced
¾ cup pecans, toasted

Bring 1 cup orange juice to simmer in small saucepan. Remove from heat and mix in dried cherries. Let stand until softened, about 30 min. Drain well. Whisk oil, vinegar, orange peel and remaining 3 T. orange juice in small bowl to blend. Mix in cherries. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.) Place greens and orange slices in bowl and toss with dressing. Top with pecans. Serves six.

From Grandma's Trunk...

In 1943 the Simplicity pattern company put out a “Mother and Daughter Fashion” apron pattern with a heart shaped bib and pocket.