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Will spring ever get to Mid-Ohio Valley?

Are you ready for spring to visit our valley? You are probably tired of egg salad and chocolate candy by now, but it was not a nice surprise to see that snow on Monday morning after a beautiful Easter Day. Of course, that seems to be the standard for weather in this part of the country. It is a great place to live, but one has to tolerate the quickly changeable weather. Don’t even bother putting winter clothing away for the summer or summer clothing away for the winter. That way, old Mother Nature can’t catch you without a comfortable outfit to wear. It doesn’t do any good to complain about it as we have no control over what we are sent, so just smile and wear that heavy sweater in August. It gives us a topic on which to start a conversation with strangers, so it does SOME good, I guess!

Since I know warmer weather has to be on the way, it is time to review some salad dressing recipes for our summer salads. The dressing that is freshly made always tastes better than the bottled kind. Besides, you know what is in it — nothing that one can’t pronounce! A salad can be an entire meal, depending what all is put into it. Meat, eggs, vegetables, fruit — all can find their way onto a bed of lettuce or mixed together in many ways to make a different tasting meal. It is an easy way to have portion control, too, if one is trying to lose weight. Having the dressing “on the side” is another way to keep the calorie count like you want it. We are told to shut the door on yesterday and go on from the present day, so plans for coming events and vacations are those on which we should concentrate. School will be out in two months, so that should occupy the most pressing plans with proms, parties, and graduation activities to plan. The summer activities and vacations come next. The planning of it is like planning a garden — the planning can be as enjoyable as the actual thing, and more so with the garden! This is a busy, but exciting time for most families. Do include the young ones in the planning — it helps with the “are we there yet” questions and the “Do I HAVE to weed the garden?”!

Vacations don’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable and remembered. The Wilds are close by, have many activities, and just as interesting as a safari in Africa. Church and 4-H camps for all ages are local, fun, and not expensive. The entire MOV is full of history for exploration. Several theme parks are close to us for a day of fun. There are many local camping sites for families. FFA and 4-H projects keep many young folks busy most of the summer, with financial rewards for their work. COSI, in Columbus, State and local fairs, all are ideas for fun and enjoyment. Everyone loves going to Amish country or Hocking Hills (caves, camping, hiking). It is nice to travel to other areas of our country, or to Disney World, but one doesn’t have to win the lottery to have an enjoyable summer with fun and happy memories for everyone. So, whether it is large or small, do something with your young ones this coming summer. You, and they, deserve to enjoy life and make lasting memories. Life is short — don’t waste it!

Seeds and plants are arriving in the stores now to compete with the seed catalogs. They all look so inviting to this old farm girl. The promise was made not to plant a (big) garden, but there has to be some tomato plants (and cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, spring onions, and, of course, some flowers — and anything else I can sneak in!). If the sun comes out and dries out some of this mud, the berry plants will be pruned and tied up for the season. That will keep me busy for a while!

The spring cleaning in the house takes second fiddle to playing around in the garden and the flower beds! I am with spring cleaning like kids are about cleaning their rooms — too easy to put off — and off — and off! I used to enjoy the cleaning and repainting and a new look, but since I am limited doing heavier chores, I can’t seem to get enthused about ending the home for dust bunnies. It will take some good, strong Earl Grey Tea and a serious “talking to” by me, to convince these lazy bones to get moving!

Do take some time for yourself this week. When one gets too tired, one gets grumpy, and when one gets grumpy, everyone else in the house gets grumpy, too. So, just to help yourself stay sane, reach for the tea kettle and a rocking chair and sit a spell to count your blessings. We tend to forget them when we don’t take a few minutes to relax. (Need a quiet spot? Just put a lock on the bathroom door!) Fun aside, one does need a spot for one’s self, alone, now and again. Give lots of hugs and tell your family how much they are loved. Thank those who protect you and keep them on your prayer list. Help someone each day.

God Bless!

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TOMATO SOUP FRENCH DRESSING

1 can condensed tomato soup

1/2 soup can vinegar

1/2 soup can salad oil

2 tablespoons minced onion

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients in a quart canning jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well. Store in a cool, dry place. Shake again before using.

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BLUE CHEESE DRESSING

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced sweet onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled — or to taste

Combine all ingredients except blue cheese. Whisk until well blended and dressing has a smooth consistency. Gently stir in blue cheese. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Store, covered in refrigerator. Good as a salad dressing, served with Hot Wings, or used as a topping on hot, baked potatoes.

NOTE: I prefer Hellman’s mayonnaise, or Kroger’s if Hellman’s isn’t available.

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EASY THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

2 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup chili sauce

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

Whisk ingredients together until well blended and the dressing has a smooth texture.

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TOMATO SOUP AND MAYONNAISE DRESSING

1 can condensed tomato soup

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

1/2 teaspoon grated onion

1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Blend soup and mayonnaise. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well

***

FRENCH DRESSING

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or a blender until well blended and the dressing has a smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator.

***

ITALIAN DRESSING

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon dried basil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 to 4 tablespoons sugar

Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar and shake until well blended. Use immediately or store in refrigerator.

***

RASPBERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

12 oz. seedless raspberry preserves

5 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon minced sweet onion

2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons dried tarragon

1 1/2 teaspoons dried curry powder

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

In a stainless steel, glass, or enamel saucepan, bring preserves, water, and half the sugar to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place in a blender and add all other ingredients except the olive oil. Cover and blend, adding the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, until the ingredients are well blended and the dressing has a smooth consistency. Use immediately, or store in refrigerator for up to a week. If stored, bring up to room temperature and whisk well before using.

***

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

1/4 cup olive oil

4 teaspoons vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake and use immediately. This can be whisked in a non-reactive bowl — just takes more energy!

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE: Use Balsamic vinegar and add 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, such as basil.

HERB VINAIGRETTE: Use basic recipe and add 1 tablespoon of fresh minced herbs such as parsley, chives, basil, tarragon, or garlic.

LOWER CALORIE VINAIGRETTE: Equal parts of oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, canola oil can be substituted for olive oil. Herbs can take the place of some of the salt for low-sodium diets.

***

Patty Christopher is a longtime columnist for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

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