We are stuck with February. I put February in the same category as Mondays: both are something we would all love to get away from but we are stuck with them. At least Valentine's Day is in February.

Monday happens 52 times a year and has no redeeming features. The only thing I can say about Monday is that you wake up Monday morning and wish you were dead and reincarnated as a turnip. At least February does give you an opportunity to get dreamy eyed and soft minded about the opposite gender. (I don't know if opposite sex is PC or not.)

It is very difficult picking out the right card and chocolates for my cat, if you are in my position. I can't eat chocolates. My cat can't read and really prefers fish heads to candy.

But the thought is there for one shining moment in February.

There are also Presidents' Days sales, used to be George Washington Day sales, and asking Abe Lincoln if he hugged the rails before he split them.

There is one thing you can do to brighten up February, that is make a dish I tried. Take a casserole dish that is ovenproof and spray the bottom and sides with one of the spray fats. Then place chicken thighs, or breasts, or whatever in the bottom after you season them with garlic, pepper, sweet basil and thyme and place them skin side up. Use skinless parts if you so desire.

Next layer slice celery (not dice). Top with some crushed canned tomatoes. Sprinkle with thyme and basil, then onion rings and carrots, plus tomatoes and the two herbs.

Follow with sliced fresh mushrooms and slice raw potatoes. Brush the potatoes with either melted butter, or margarine, or olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with garlic and pepper.

Pour chicken broth or white wine around the sides, about two inches worth.

Cover with foil tightly and put a lid on it to seal it tightly.

Cook for 2.5 hrs. at 325. Check and make sure all items are done. Cook longer if needed.

You can eliminate the potatoes and serve with hot buttered noodles tossed with poppy seeds. As Julia Child once said, "If you drop the casserole while putting it in the oven, leave the catastrophe on the floor and go to McDonald's."

Reprinted with permission from Talk of the Towne, Gaithersburg, Maryland, February 2000.