Daffodils Delight

Daffodils are among the first signs of plant life each spring. The yellow flowers were brought to Britain by the Romans who thought the sap had healing powers. They are also known as jonquils or Narcissus – from the well known Greek tale about Narcissus and Echo. Narcissus, of course, being the young man who fell in love with his own reflection and turned into a flower while Echo, heartbroken by his rejection lived alone until nothing but an echo of her remained. Sheltering at home these days, we may begin to feel like an Echo without our usual connections. Instead, on your solitary walks, note the gorgeous yellow flutter of the daffodils and let their beauty be inspiring and healing. Not only does the color yellow denote happiness, optimism, enlightenment, and creativity, it can bring a smile as we think of sunflowers, canaries and Sponge Bob. The flower so inspired William Wordsworth that he wrote a poem about them after taking one of his daily strolls.

Daffodils are also readily available – hopefully in your back yard! -to use on your Easter Table this year as we travel out only for necessities. They look beautiful with a variety of colors and mix well with lemons or limes, staples you may have at home.

Creamed Egg on Toast

A dish my mother always made for me when I stayed home, this family favorite comfort dish is also a wonderful way to use up all the hard boiled eggs after Easter.

Serves 4

8 hard boiled eggs – cooled, peeled and medium chopped. Save out one yolk (finely cut up and keep separate).

1 1/2 – 2 slices toast per person, buttered and cut into squares, arranged on individual plates.

Sauce:

4 T butter . 1/4 Cup flour . 2 Cups milk

Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add flour and whisk continuously to make a rue. Add milk in slowly, continuing to whisk to keep sauce smooth as sauce thickens. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add in chopped eggs. Scoop over bread. Sprinkle with finely chopped egg yolk. Enjoy!

top photo/featured image: styling by Susan Miller McCormick, photo by Jeremy Frechette