Ready For Spring, Stuck In Winter

Last week, we were still stuck in winter with drenching rains and high winds. Easter was a washout and Easter Monday was spotty with squalls. We are ready for the return of our dependable sunshine, thank you very much!

Here's a winter dinner with a touch of spring - vermicelli with fresh Swiss chard added. It was simple to make, quick and filling. The Swiss chard came from my inexhaustible plants out in the garden, the vermicelli and canned tomatoes from the pantry.

All you do is sauté some chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan where you browned slices of Italian sausage (mine were fully cooked already so it took just minutes), add a can of chopped tomatoes and about half a can of white wine, raid the herb garden (or the spice jars) for oregano, crushed red pepper, yadda, and simmer it all together for about 15 minutes. While it melds into a lovely sauce, boil the pasta and drain it, adding it to the rest of the ingredients and tossing it around to soak up all those lovely flavors. At the last minute, add about six sliced leaves of Swiss chard, just long enough to wilt them. A block of ParmReg at the table with a grater and everyone gets the amount of cheese they favor.

Do not begin screaming if the cheese reminds you of snow and that reminds you that it's still winter when you are yearning for spring.