April 17: Apicius dines with Taurus

By Jeff Cheek

Taurus, the Bull, will be the ruling sign of the zodiac April 20-May 20.

Greek mythology says that Zeus fell in love with Europa. He changed himself into a white bull and mingled with a herd of cattle grazing near a beach where Europa and her handmaidens were playing. The crafty Zeus pretended to be docile, so that Europa climbed on his back. He rushed into the sea and carried her away to Crete.

A synopsis of the year 2001, by several astrologers, make this prediction for people born under his sign: This will be a year full of adventure. The Taurean will be led into new ventures with many interesting twists and turns. Starting in March, many Taureans will rid themselves of responsibilities to take advantage of changes in April. By early July you will have settled on your course and discarded undependable associates and are forging ahead. Single Taureans can expect new love interests to enter their lives in September, while October will be a month dedicated to family. Your creative strengths catch fire in December, so many Taureans can expect financial rewards as the year ends.

M. Gavius Apicius, the celebrated Roman gastronome, wrote the 10-volume "De Re Coquinaria" in the First Century. This is roughly translated as " The Art of Cooking." This was the first cookbook ever published. Apicius listed 13 recipes just for preparing rabbit. He was the wealthiest man in Rome. He squandered his fortune searching for new, exotic dishes to tempt the palate of his close friend, Emperor Tiberius.

Apicius bought the tastiest ingredients for his elaborate banquets, but the final decision was made by his astrologer. Apicius believed that the zodiacal calendar determined what foods should be served, and when to host the banquet. For the Taurean, Apicius said that whiting (sole) was the best fish. For meat, he recommended goose and goose liver, lamb and dove. Vegetables were limited to green peppers, onion and carrots. He used ginger, marjoram and sorrel as spices. Sorrel actually does double duty as both a spice and a vegetable. It is a perennial herb with long, green leaves with a minty acidic flavor. It is hard to find in the United States, except in major cities. For that reason, I was not able to test the recipe for Apicius's Sorrel Soup.

Apicius believed that the Taurean personality was that of a decisive, organized leader with special skills as an organizer. He or she is independent. The Taurean has a natural inclination as a good cook, but is not easily domesticated. That stubborn, independent streak comes out. He or she does not like to be told what to do. Yet when the Taurean decides to prepare food, it is a gourmet treat. The Taurean is a complete chef, meaning that he or she supervises all stages of the banquet. Their organizational ability takes them to the market to shop for the finest ingredients, their preparation, and finally to the way the food is presented. The table is set with the finest china and bowls of flowers - a feast for the eye and the palate. He recommended Chilled Sorrel Soup for the Taurean.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound fresh sorrel

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

5 cups chicken broth

3/4 cup heavy cream

PREPARATION: Wash and chop sorrel. In saucepan, melt butter. Add sorrel, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and braise for 10 minutes. Stir in flour. Mix well, and add broth. Bring to boil while stirring. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Pour into bowl and chill. Just before serving, stir in cream.

Jeff Cheek lives in Medford

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