Today is Easter and it is the first time in years that I didn't go to church with Dude. I usually attend with him on Easter and Christmas Eve, but eh, not this year. He took the girls and I hit the grocery store instead. When you think about it, though? Isn't walking the aisles of the fancy food store and purchasing expensive fresh morels more like my church than actual church anyway? I think so. What moves me is not the "word of God" as projected to me by a priest on a dais surrounded by Easter lilies, but rather the perfect rose created when you slice across the white stems on a head of bok choy; or the crunchy sweetness of spring peas; or the mellow smoothness of a finely crafted wine.

I'm going to make chicken scallopine for Easter dinner today. I know that doesn't sound very special, but peeps, you are fooling yourself if you believe that. I cut the chicken breasts into thin, thin filets (instead of traditional pounding). I dredge them in a mixture of flour and "porcini powder" (ground, dried porcini mushrooms), and saute them in butter. Meanwhile, the morels are simmered in sherry and a little chicken broth, then combined with cream, tarragon, chives and a couple other yummies to make the best freaking sauce in town. Put the chicken and some steamed asparagus on a plate, spoon the sauce and morels over the top... a taste divine. I will worship it appropriately as I savor the flavors in just a few short hours.

I hope you have a glorious day and celebrate whatever it is that brings you love.