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--> --> Sept. 18: Apicius plans for Libra By Jeff Cheek The zodiacal sign of Libra rules the skies from September 23 to October 22. The symbol is a scale, or balance. Supposedly this is because Libra is equally influenced by Venus and Saturn. This duality gives the Libran a well-rounded personality, at home in any situation. Apicius, the Roman gourmet and cookbook writer, was a legend in his own time. He frequently entertained Emperor Tiberius at his palatial villa in Minturno, near Naples. He searched the world for exotic ingredients such as camels hooves and peacock tongues. Modern astrologers predicted that the year 2001 would be a year of expansion for Librans. Starting in January and holding true for the whole year, the Libran will expand his circle with new friends and experiences. There was probably a glitch in July as the Libran sorted out his or her life, adjusting to these changes, but his is over by September. October is the most favorable month, with a plethora of new experiences and favorable recognition. December will bring a once-in-a-lifetime chance for travel for many Librans. Take advantage of this good fortune! Apicius planned his menus by the zodiac. For Librans, he served a balanced diet, in keeping with their symbol, but nothing heavy. For meat he recommended veal or lamb; for the fish course, either scallops or prawns. (Apicius once ordered a shipload of giant prawns for Libya for one of his banquets.) Poultry was limited to pigeon or pheasant. Apicius believed the Libran tastes were for sweet and sour, or delicately savory.. Grapes and olives for fruit, vegetable like sweet peppers, onion, and mushrooms. Gentle spices like saffron and rosemary were used for flavoring. Another of Apicius's beliefs is that Librans were seldom concerned with their diet. They took their good health for granted. This sometimes led them to tire easily, and they were prone to kidney and bladder illnesses, but their capacity to recover was remarkably high. Therefore he never considered these factors when planning his feasts. A friend of mine, Aminta Braasch, sent me a copy of her new book, "The Gastrological Cook Book." It is a delightful, lighthearted collection of essays on the zodiac, and some of the most original recipes I have ever seen. How would you like to try some High Ryes (Rye Bread)? Or Mousse Indigo. Or an oxtail ragout called Untold Tail? Minta also had some original thoughts about Librans: "You tip back and forth like a cork afloat and if it weren't for your keen wit and intelligence, and your delightful sense of humor, you would probably drive all your friends bonkers." Minta also comments that most Librans are so well balanced that "Freud would have trouble finding something to work on." Instead of one of Apicius's recipes, let's try her Libra-based Either/Or Salad Dressing. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup lime juice 2 teaspoons dill weed 1/2 teaspoon celery seed OR 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon chopped chives 1 teaspoon dried parsley Dash paprika 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard PREPARATION: In blender, place 1 cup salad oil, 2 tablespoons minced shallots, dash of salt and sugar, and ingredients from ONE of above lists. Blend 30 seconds at medium speed. Chill; shake well before serving. Jeff Cheek lives in Medford Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing