I don’t know if I can ever eat chestnuts again. Let’s start at the beginning. Having just left the Mennonite farmers’ market in State College, Pa with a quart of chestnuts, I screeched to a halt along the side of the road and ask Lewis and Kendra to jump out and gather up what looks […]
Elderflower Cordial
Don’t get too excited. This is not the fermented, alcoholic elderflower cordial most people think of, just a simple syrup – but it sure can impress. It can be added to wine, champagne, lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing floral drink or added to berry desserts, whipped cream, puddings and homemade ice cream for […]
Sumac
A reaction of horror registers on my student’s faces every time I demonstrate a Lebanese recipe using sumac. “PPPPPoison sumac?!”, they exclaim. I assure them Staghorn Sumac, is not poisonous. Rhus typhina grows wild here in our part of the northeastern United States world (you’ll see it growing along roadsides) and it is similar to […]
Black Walnut Cake
We’re on the wild side again, getting squirrely. I don’t know what it is about the cool weather of Autumn, but it makes me want to scurry along the roadsides and woods to gather like a squirrel. Now I can understand their annoying habit of darting back and forth in front of cars this […]
Wild Rose Hips and Amaryllis
With this warm weather (it must be over 50 degrees today), the wild rose hips are still in good condition. Down coats and plastic bags will not survive this foraging. I speak from experience. Gloves are a must, the thicker the better. The amaryllis I planted last month is at it’s prettiest and the […]
Seed Saving
Seed saving is either a simple activity or an elaborate fight against nature. It all comes down to cross-pollination and whether it will affect the plants progeny in an adverse way. First we must discard any consideration of propagating hybrid plants. They are manipulated by the grower who uses two different parents to produce a […]
Preserved Autumn Leaves and Bittersweet
It was cloudy this morning, so while I was waiting for the sun to come out for some food photography, I went and foraged a few things from my woods. I had some glycerin from my soap making days, so it was time to preserve some autumn leaves a la Martha. Most of the leaves […]
Wild Mushroom and Potato Frittata
Bet you think I spent the weekend rambling through the rainswept woods, foraging for mushrooms, and picnicking on moss.I much prefer leaving all that rambling to the professionals. Like Chris and Patty Darrah at Mainly Mushrooms. The fall harvest is in and the selection is staggering. Black foot, cauliflower, hen-of-the-woods, chantarelle, and more. I usually […]