As winter throws its weight around unlike anything we have seen in years, even people who have never believed in Punxsutawney Phil’s powers of prognostication were thrilled when Groundhog Day 2011 resulted in our furry friend forecasting an early spring. Phil didn’t see his shadow (mostly because of the gray skies and icy rain), so six more weeks of winter aren’t in the cards this year. That was welcome news to most Americans, as everyone from the Dakotas down to Texas over to the Carolinas and up through New England are sick and tired of the cold.Snowfall across the US has reached record levels, so even if you don’t believe that a groundhog can predict the weather, surely you can appreciate that any sign of hope is welcome. On behalf of everyone who has had a flight canceled, spent hours digging out their cars or slipped on some ice, we salute you, Punxsutawney Phil. But if you’re wrong, we’ve got some groundhog stew recipes ready.