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Pasta with Garlic Scapes Pesto, Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta

Pasta with Garlic Scapes Pesto, Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta

Pasta with Garlic Scapes Pesto, Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta

 

1/4 cup pine nuts

3/4 cup basil

1/2 cup thinly sliced garlic scapes (or 4-5 cloves of garlic)

1/4 cup good parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 lb whole wheat pasta

1 T. butter

1 lb sugar snap peas, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick

freshly ground black pepper

fresh ricotta, for serving

 

Toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat until they start to smell nutty and turn golden, about 3 minutes.  Pour the nuts onto a plate to cool. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pine nuts, basil, garlic scapes, cheese and salt.  Process until the herbs are finely chopped and everything is mixed.  Add the oil and process until smooth.  Add salt to taste. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium skillet.  Add the peas and a pinch of salt and sauté until they are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water and toss with the pesto and peas.  Add pasta water as needed so the pesto becomes more sauce-like.  Season with salt to taste.  Top with dollops of fresh ricotta and black pepper.

 

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1/4 of pasta (ricotta not included)

Calories: 417
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 9 g
Protein: 14 g

Honey Ginger Bok-choy Salad

Honey Ginger Bok-choy Salad

Honey Ginger Bok-choy Salad

 

1 bunch Swiss chard

1 lb. bok-choy, tot-soi, or mustard greens (all of the mustard family and pretty interchangeable)

1 bunch peppergrass (sub arugula, watercress or radish sprouts)

3 radishes

4 tomatillos

2 scallions

pinch of shaved parmesan cheese (garnish)

pinch of sunflower seeds (garnish)

 

Roasted Garlic, about half a head

1/2 C. sesame oil

1/2 C. rice vinegar

3 T. honey

juice of 1 lemon

nub of ginger (finely chopped)

salt to taste

 

First you are going to want to roast your garlic, what I do is chop the top of the garlic head so you can see all the cloves, place it on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle oil or butter over it and sprinkle with salt and pepper (I prefer cayenne), wrap in foil and toss in oven/ toaster oven for 30-45 min at 375 degrees. Once garlic is cooked, let stand until at room temperature.  While the garlic is roasting you can prep your veggies. Chop your greens, scallions and peppergrass and toss in bowl. Dice tomatillos and thinly slice radishes, set aside. Once your garlic is roasted and cooled to room temperature, add to mixing bowl. Peel and finely chop nub of ginger, add to mixing bowl. With whisk mix in honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and salt to bowl with garlic and ginger. (can also put through food processor or blender) Toss salad with dressing so evenly covered. Put in serving dishes top with radish, tomatillo, sunflower seeds, and shaved parmesan. Enjoy!

Foraged Miner’s Lettuce Salad

Foraged Miner’s Lettuce Salad

Foraged Miner's Lettuce SaladForaged Miner’s Lettuce Salad

 

2 C. Miner’s Lettuce Leaves washed and trimmed

3 T. Apple Cider Vinegar

3 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Lemon Zest

 

Whisk the vinegar and olive oil together in a cereal bowl. Gently add the lettuce and cover each leaf with the dressing. Make a pile of lettuce leaves in the middle of your plate and arrange some extraneous leaves around the edges if you’re feeling fancy. Add the lemon zest to the pile of leaves. Enjoy!

 

Servings: 2
Serving Size: about 1 C.

Calories: 190
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g

Morel and Spring Vegetable Hash

Morel and Spring Vegetable Hash

Morel and Spring Vegetable HashMorel and Spring Vegetable Hash

 

This hearty vegetarian hash kicks off spring by combining English peas, baby spinach, morels, and spring onions with crispy potatoes. Farmers harvest mild spring onions before the bulbs grow to full size; they have small white or deep purple bulbs and tall green tops. (Use two sweet onions if you can’t find spring onions.) Morels are my favorite mushroom to use in this hash, but you can also substitute your favorite mushroom if you don’t want to splurge on morels. Serve the hash on its own or dish it up with poached eggs and toast to make it a more substantial meal.

 

4 large red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. finely chopped fresh rosemary

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. fresh morel mushrooms

2 T. unsalted butter

1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 -inch pieces

4 spring onions, trimmed and cut into %-inch rings

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 T. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 T. finely chopped fresh thyme

Finely grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 lb. fresh or frozen shelled English peas

4 C. tightly packed baby spinach

 

Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with the oil, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the potatoes to a large baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes or until crispy and fork-tender. Remove the potatoes from the oven and set aside. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the morels and boil for 10 seconds. (This cleans the morels and kills any worms or spores that might be in them.) Using a slotted spoon, transfer the morels to a cutting board. Pat the morels dry, halve them, and set aside. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until blond. Add the asparagus and spring onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to wilt and the asparagus gets a little color on it, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add the morels, cover the skillet, and cook until the morels release their natural juices, about 1 minute. Remove the lid from the skillet and add the potatoes, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice and stir to combine. Add the peas and spinach, stir to combine, and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Using a large serving spoon, divide the hash among four to six large bowls or plates. Now eat.

 

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1/4 of hash (about 2 C.)

Calories: 484
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 13 g
Protein: 14 g

Nasturtium Butter

Nasturtium Butter

Nasturtium Butter

 

1/3 C. Chopped Nasturtium Flowers

1/4 lb (1 stick) real butter

1/2 clove fresh garlic, crushed and minced

1 tsp onion stem minced

1 tsp fresh flat leaf parsley minced

1/2 tsp fresh thyme, minced

 

Fold together and chill, covered. Serve on warm bread, cooked vegetables or use this as a pasta sauce.

 

Servings: 10
Serving Size: 1 T.

Calories: 82
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g

Milkweed Buds with Bacon, Garlic, Chilies, and Anchovies

Milkweed Buds with Bacon, Garlic, Chilies, and Anchovies

Milkweed Buds with Bacon, Garlic, Chilies, and AnchoviesMilkweed Buds with Bacon, Garlic, Chilies, and Anchovies

 

Not all milkweed is edible! Raw milkweed contains compounds that need to be denatured by cooking. Eating it raw may make you sick. Take only one flower or pod off of each milkweed plant. Only harvest from large, healthy colonies. These can often be found near agricultural areas, abandoned fields, and fringe areas.

Search for tight clusters of flower buds that feel heavy for their size. You can use the larger, more mature clusters that have uncurled, but they’re not quite as good

 

8 oz. tight milkweed buds washed

3 slices bacon sliced thin

3 cloves garlic minced

1 red mild chili pepper minced

3 anchovies minced

½ lemon juice plus zest

 

Bring a pot of water fitted with a steaming basket to a boil. Add the milkweed buds to the steamer and steam for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, add the sliced bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Fry until crispy. Set aside the bacon and discard all but 1 T. of grease from the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and add garlic, chiles, and anchovies. Sauté for 1 minute. Add the steamed milkweed buds and bacon (for crispier bacon, you can add it at the end) and sauté for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and zest, toss and plate. Enjoy!

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup

2 C. dried elderberries

4 C. cold water

2-3 dried ginger root

1 cinnamon stick

1 C. honey

1 C. vodka or brandy

 

Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot to boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer. Remove and allow to sit for one hour. Strain berries with cheese cloth.  0ne liquid has cooled, stir in honey. Add vodka or brandy if wanting to increase shelf life. Bottle in a sterilized jar.

Dandelion Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Dandelion Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Dandelion Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

 

1½ C. all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

3/4 C. butter  (at room temperature)

½ C. sugar

½ C. honey

3 large eggs

½ C. buttermilk

1 lemon zested

¾ C. dandelion petals

 

1/2 C. butter 1 stick (at room temperature)

1 lemon zested and juiced

pinch salt

2-3 C. powdered sugar to desired consistency

 

Preheat the oven to 350° F (176° C). Line a 12 muffin tin with baking C.. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together for approximately 1 minute, or until light and fluffy. Add in the honey and mix until fully incorporated. Add in the eggs one at a time, then turn the mixer off and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure there isn’t any unmixed butter and sugar. With the mixer on low speed, add the buttermilk and flour mixture a little at a time, alternating between each. Mix until evenly distributed. Add in the lemon zest and dandelion petals, making sure they are evenly incorporated and aren’t clumped together. Fill each lined muffin tin with ¼ C. of the batter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then they can be placed carefully on a wire rack to cool for another 30 minutes. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting.

 

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Add in the confectioner’s sugar ½ C. at a time, mixing in between until the desired consistency is reached. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cupcakes. Garnish the cupcakes with dandelion petals or flowers if desired.

Lamb’s Quarters and Tomatoes with Eggs

Lamb’s Quarters and Tomatoes with Eggs

Lamb’s Quarters and Tomatoes with Eggs

 

6 C. greens, cleaned of stems and damaged leaves

1/2 C. diced onion, 1/4” dice

1 T. olive oil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 C. diced fresh tomato, 1/4” dice

2 T. minced fresh mint or basil

4 eggs

 

Blanch greens in boiling salted water for 30-45 seconds. Drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out as much water as you can from greens (do this in batches using your hands or all at once using a clean dish towel). Roughly chop the blanched greens. Sauté onion, lightly seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, in olive oil. When onions begin to turn golden, add chopped greens and tomato. Mix well. When greens are hot, taste and add salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in mint or basil. Spread greens evenly over bottom of the pan and make an indentation for each egg in greens. Break one egg into each hole, lightly season with salt, turn heat down to low, and cover pan. Cook until egg whites just solidify and yolks are still liquid. Serve immediately.

 

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 egg with greens (1/4 of pan)

Calories: 134
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g

Goat Cheese, Wood Sorrel & Broccoli Frittata

Goat Cheese, Wood Sorrel & Broccoli Frittata

Goat Cheese, Wood Sorrel & Broccoli Frittata

 

1 T. coconut oil

1 medium sized sweet potato or yam, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small head of broccoli broken up into pieces

a handful or chopped wood sorrel or other green

4 eggs ( add 2 per extra serving)

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. basil

salt & fresh cracked pepper

1/3 cup fresh goat cheese crumbles

green onion for garnish

 

Set your oven to broil. Melt the coconut oil and add your sweet potatoes or yam to cook covered for about 4 minutes. Next add in your vegetables and cover 3 minutes just to let them steam a bit. Whisk together the eggs, herbs, salt and pepper. Add the eggs, swirling the pan to make sure it’s evenly coated. Now top with goat cheese and cover for another 3 minutes. Pop under the broiler to finish. Top with chopped green onions

 

Servings: 2
Serving Size: 1/2 of frittata

Calories: 372
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 22 g

Foraged Greens and Eggs

Foraged Greens and Eggs

Foraged Greens and EggsForaged Greens and Eggs

 

Servings: 4 Print

Ingredients

3 T. olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 T. chopped green chili pepper

1 tsp. cumin powder

salt and pepper to taste

4 C. lambsquarters

1/2 C. goutweed leaves (only the young ones from plants which have not yet flowered)

a handful of dandelion leaves

1/2 C. plantain leaves

4 eggs

 

If using plantain, boil it in water for four minutes, drain and set aside. It is tougher than the other greens and will blend with them better if cooked longer. Fry the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and chili and fry another couple of minutes. Add the cumin, salt and pepper. Add enough water to the pan just to barely cover the bottom of the pan. Stir in all the greens and cook at medium heat until they have all wilted completely and the water has evaporated. Break four eggs on top of the mixture, cover the pot with a lid and allow to simmer for about 4 minutes, or until the eggs have cooked sufficiently. Remove from the heat and serve. I sprinkled a little sumac powder on top for garnish.

 

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 egg with 1/4 of the greens

Calories: 199
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 9 g

Chokecherry Chiffon Pie

Chokecherry Chiffon Pie

Chokecherry Chiffon PieChokecherry Chiffon Pie

 

1 pre-cooked 9 inch pie pastry

1/4 C. water

1 T. gelatin

1 C. chokecherry juice

3/4 C. sugar

5 egg yolks

5 egg whites

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

2 T. sugar

1 C. heavy whipping cream (35%)

2 T. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

syrup or pieces of fruit to garnish (optional)

 

Dissolve the gelatin in the water. In a saucepan, combine the juice, sugar and egg yolks. Cook gently over a medium low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture coats the back of a spoon which occurs at 140 degrees F if you have a thermometer. Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin until it has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool in a basin of cold water until it is about room temperature but not set. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until it starts to mound. Add the sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. The mixture should not be too dry. Fold the egg whites carefully into the chokecherry mixture and fill the pastry. Set in the fridge to cool for at least four hours. Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla and spread on top. Garnish with pieces of fruit or a drizzle of syrup or softened jelly.

 

Servings: 8
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)

Calories: 340
Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

Dandelion Cake

Dandelion Cake

Dandelion CakeDandelion Cake

 

1 C. butter

1/2 C. sugar

1/4 C. dandelion petals (approx. 12 flowers)

5 eggs

1/4 tsp. vanilla

2 C. casava flour or coarse semolina

1 C. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 C. dandelion syrup

 

Cream the butter with the sugar and petals. Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well after each addition. Mix the dry ingredients together and add to the batter, beating well. Pour into a greased 9 inch square pan and bake at 350 degrees F. for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately cut it into serving size pieces. Pour the cooled syrup over it slowly, letting it be absorbed by the hot cake gradually.

 

Servings: 16
Serving Size: 1 piece (1/16 of 9-inch square cake)

Calories: 290
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g

Spring Rolls with Stir Fried Mushrooms and Dandelion Greens

Spring Rolls with Stir Fried Mushrooms and Dandelion Greens

Spring Rolls with Stir Fried Mushrooms and Dandelion Greens

 

6 Vietnamese Brown Rice Spring Roll Wrappers

Stir Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Ginger

1/2 a cucumber, peeled and cut into match sticks

dandelion greens, snapped in half or in thirds

cilantro, stems and leaves, pulled apart into smaller pieces

 

2 T. fish sauce

1/2 tsp. coconut sugar

1 tsp. vinegar

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 Thai red chili, sliced (or 1 dried Thai red chili, deseeded and torn apart)

 

Dip a spring roll wrapper in some warm water.  Place the softened wrapper on a flat surface and place the mushrooms in the middle. Top the mushrooms with the cucumber sticks, dandelion leaves, and cilantro. Fold the sides inward and then wrap and roll. Repeat. For Dipping Sauce, Combine everything together in a bowl and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into a dipping dish and serve with the rolls.

Sam Gamgee’s Foraged Herb & Rabbit Stew

Sam Gamgee’s Foraged Herb & Rabbit Stew

Sam Gamgee’s Foraged Herb & Rabbit Stew

 

1 rabbit (2-2.5 lb) or equivalent weight skinless bone-in chicken thighs

3 bay leaves

5 sprigs thyme, woody stems removed, minced finely

25-30 sage leaves

1-2 small turnips

2 carrots

1-2 red potatoes

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 T.  cooking oil

1 portion finely crumbled lembas, or 3 T.  flour

About 4 cups chicken broth

salt, to taste

 

Remove the giblets from the rabbit and mince very finely, then set aside. Cut up the rabbit with a sharp knife (more detailed instruction here). Remove the forelegs, which are not attached to the body by bone. Remove the hindlegs at the pelvis joint by first snapping the ball-and-socket joint backwards. Chop along the spine to separate the two halves of the rib cage, then chop each side into thirds. Peel the carrots and slice into half-inch rounds. Peel the potatoes and turnips and chop into half-inch chunks.  In a dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Working 3-4 pieces at a time, brown both sides of each rabbit piece and set aside. Brown the carrot, turnip and potato in the remaining oil. Don’t stir too much – you want to form a golden crust. Bring the heat down to medium, then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Toss well to mix the flour and residual oil together. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour turns a dark blonde color. Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth, and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the flavorful brown fond. Stir in the thyme, sage, bay leaves and pepper, then return the rabbit to the pot. Top up with additional chicken stock until everything is covered. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for 60-90 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Stir in the finely minced giblets and cook for 2 -3 minutes more. Taste for salt and fish out the bay leaves before serving.

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

 

The trick to making shortbread is processing the dough just long enough so that it can be rolled out but still appears a little crumbly in the bowl. If you process the dough until it forms a ball or sticks together in the processor, the cookies will spread out on the baking sheet and their texture will suffer.

 

1/4 cup fresh spruce tips

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

 

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Process the spruce tips and sugar until the spruce tips are finely chopped. Add the flour and process in bursts to mix well, being sure to scrape out any sugar or spruce tips trapped in the corners of the food processor bowl. Cut the butter into 1/2” chunks, add to the processor bowl, and process until the butter is evenly distributed and the dough holds together when pinched. Dump the dough onto parchment paper and form into an evenly thick rectangle. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin until the rectangle is 6”x 8”. Using a straight edge as a guide, cut the rectangle into 1” crosswise strips and then in half lengthwise to form 16 1”x 3” cookies. Prick each cookie 5 times with the tines of a fork. Carefully place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 23 – 26 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden (not browned). Let cookies cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Pink Pine Needle Tea

Pink Pine Needle Tea

Pink Pine Needle Tea

 

2 cups water

2 T.  (11g) snipped pine needles

¾ cup (90g) wild blueberries, fresh or frozen

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp. honey, or to taste

 

Combine the water, pine needles, and wild blueberries in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a simmer, cover, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey. Make sure the honey is completely dissolved. Set a strainer over your serving mugs and pour the tea through the strainer. Enjoy!

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 stick (4 T. ) unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 T.  honey

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1 cup fresh mulberries, stems removed*

1 1/2 T.  sugar

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. (You can use a normal cake pan, but it comes out of a springform more easily.) Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add honey and vanilla, then egg and beat well after each addition. At low speed, mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Scatter berries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 T.  sugar. Bake until cake is golden and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan at least 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. (If you’re using a springform pan, you can let it cool all the way in the pan.) * Mulberries have a short little skinny stem that’s hard to remove without mashing the fruit. It’s too tough to leave on and it doesn’t just pull out like a raspberry; you have to kinda pinch it off with your fingernails. It’s rather a pain in the ass to pinch off all those little stems. This cake is worth it the trouble.

Chicken of the Woods Caesar Burgers

Chicken of the Woods Caesar Burgers

Chicken of the Woods Caesar BurgersChicken of the Woods Caesar Burgers

 

1-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 C. mayonnaise

1 tsp. anchovy paste (or 3 anchovies, minced)

2 T. lemon juice (juice from ½ a lemon)

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. smooth Dijon mustard

¾ C. Parmesan cheese, grated

1 small pinch kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. white sugar

12 pieces bacon

1½ lb. chicken of the woods, torn into bun-sized pieces

Lard or oil for frying

1 C. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. pepper

4 eggs

2 C. panko breadcrumbs

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into large pieces

4 sesame seed buns

 

Mince garlic and add a small pinch of salt, allow this to sit for 5 minutes. Mince again and scrape into a paste with the side of your knife. Add it to a bowl along with the rest of the sauce ingredients and mix well. Cook the bacon slices until crispy. Drain the bacon skillet of most of its grease, then add the buns to toast them. Bring several inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Set out three plates or shallow bowls. Add the flour, salt, and pepper to one, the beaten eggs to another, and the panko breadcrumbs to the last. Dip the mushroom pieces in the flour, then shake off. Dip in the eggs on both sides, then into the panko, pressing the crumbs into the mushroom. Transfer to the hot oil and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Do this in several batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Keep the fried mushrooms in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. Tear the lettuce into large, bun-sized pieces. Slather the toasted buns with the Caesar dressing/sauce on both sides. Stack a few pieces of the fried mushroom (depending on its size) onto the bottom bun. Add bacon slices and top with lettuce, then with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Cattail Wild Rice Pilaf

Cattail Wild Rice Pilaf

Cattail Wild Rice Pilaf

 

1 cup dry wild rice (4 cups cooked)

2 T. sesame oil

½ cup chopped green onion

2 cups cattail shoots, sliced (about 30 cattails)

2 T. salt

½ cup slivered almonds

 

Cook the wild rice until tender. Sauté the onion and cattail shoots in sesame oil until tender and translucent. Mix the rice and the sautéed cattail shoots and onion together. Add the salt and slivered almonds. Serve hot.

Crabapple Membrillo

Crabapple Membrillo

 

about 4 cups crabapple pulp, pressed through sieve (plus some juice)

about 4 cups sugar

2 T. lemon juice

 

Start with the pulp (the waste) from making crabapple jelly. Press the pulp through a mesh sieve until you’ve got about all that will go through and you’re left with just skins and seeds in the sieve. Discard the skins and seeds and keep the puree. Add a bit of the juice from the crabapple jelly – the strained juice before the sugar is added. Measure the puree and juice. Put the puree, an equal amount of sugar and a bit of lemon juice (about 1 T. per 2 cups puree) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook, covered about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it’s really thick and has darkened a bit. Line a small square or rectangle dish with parchment or wax paper. Pour the paste into the dish. Cover loosely with a tea towel and put in the fridge for 2-3 days, until the paste has dried and firmed up. You should be able to lift the block of paste out of the dish using the parchment paper and have it keep its shape. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Should keep at least a month in the fridge Serve with cheese.

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

Herbalicious Lammas Loaf Biscuits

 

2¼ cups flour (and a bit extra to flour the counter)

1/2 cup of finely minced aromatic herbs. Use a blend whatever you like:  i.e. rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, field mustards & garlic mustard. (Put aside four tablespoons for sprinkling the top of the loaf.)

1/4 cup minced flower blossoms. Again use a mix of what you have on hand i.e. calendula petals, wild fennel blossoms, crow garlic or chive blossoms, oregano and sweet marjoram blossoms. (Put aside two tablespoons for sprinkling.)

3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese. (Put aside four or five tablespoons for topping.)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon of sugar

⅓ cup butter

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing the top.

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease baking sheet. Add your flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a bowl & mix together. Cut in your butter, mixing it through the dry mixture until crumbly. Add half the milk and stir, then add remaining milk and mix together. Add herbs, blossoms, cheese. Mix well. Prepare a floured surface and gently knead dough for about a minute. Shape into a roll and cut off rounds for your biscuits. Place in a circular shape (gently touching) on greased baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining cheese and herbs. Bake at 425 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Brush tops with olive oil as they come out.

Wild Pea Shoots Stir-Fried with Garlic

Wild Pea Shoots Stir-Fried with Garlic

Wild Pea Shoots Stir-Fried with Garlic

 

1 T. rice wine

1/4 C. vegetable or chicken broth

2 tsp. tamari or soy sauce

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. cornstarch

2 tsp. cold water

1 pound wild pea shoots

2 T. peanut (or other vegetable) oil

4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

In a bowl, combine rice wine, broth, tamari, and sugar; set aside.

 

Mix cornstarch with cold water; set aside. Remove and discard any heavy stems from pea shoots. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry just until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Add pea shoots and stir to combine. Add sauce mixture; cover and cook until pea vines are tender, 1-2 minutes. Uncover. Add cornstarch mixture; cook while stirring just until sauce thickens. Serve with brown rice or a cooked hearty grain such as spelt or barley.

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

Sweet Briar Rose Hip Nut Bread

 

Juice of 1 orange, plus water to make 1 cup

1//2 C. chopped raisins

3/4 C. seeded and chopped sweet briar rose hips

2 T. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 C. flour

1 C. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. nuts or sunflower seeds

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. In a large bowl, mix orange juice, raisins, rose hips, butter, vanilla, and egg. Separately, sift together the dry ingredients and then add to first mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined; do not overmix. Gently stir in nuts or sunflower seeds. Pour or spoon batter into a well-greased 5-by-8-inch loaf pan and bake for one hour.

Linden Leaf Pancakes

Linden Leaf Pancakes

Linden Leaf Pancakes

 

Linden Leaf Flour

 

1 pound fresh, mature linden leaves

 

Pancakes

 

3/4 C. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. linden leaf flour

3 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 T. granulated sugar

1 1/4 C. milk

1 egg

3 T. butter, melted

 

To make the flour, dry the linden leaves outdoors in the summer, which may take up to a week. Alternatively, place leaves on baking sheets, well separated, and dry them in a 115 °F oven for up to 24 hours; this may be done in overnight shifts so that your oven is available for other uses during the day. When leaves are completely dried and crumble between your fingers, blend or pound them to a powder with mortar and pestle or in a food processor. Sift powder through a fine-meshed sieve and discard coarser material. The resulting fine flour can be stored for a year or more in an airtight jar. Typically, each pound of fresh linden leaves yields 3/4 C. flour. To make the pancakes, in a large bowl, sift together both types of flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Separately, blend together milk, egg, and melted butter. Make a shallow well in center of flour mixture and pour in liquid mixture. Mix until fairly smooth; some small lumps may remain. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Using a soup ladle or large spoon, pour or scoop batter onto the griddle, about 1/4 C. per pancake. Brown on both sides. Serve hot.

Green Garlic Oil

Green Garlic Oil

1 stalk green garlic, tender green and tops only, chopped (reserve white parts)

¼ bunch parsley, Italian, finely chopped

1 ea lemon, zest only

1 pinch red chili flake

1 pinch kosher salt

¼ cup EVOO

 

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, mix well. Check seasoning and adjust if needed.  Any excess can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to a week.

Red Clover Lemonade

Red Clover Lemonade

Red Clover Lemonade

 

2 cups freshly foraged red clover (always forage in areas that are not sprayed with toxins)

3 1/2 cups water

1/3 cup local, raw honey

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

 

Pour water into saucepan and bring to a boil. Rinse the clover under cool water to clean while waiting for the water to boil. Add the clover to the water once it begins to boil. Boil the clover for 5 minutes. You will notice the red color disappears from the clover. Strain the red clover from the “tea,” and let cool to 95 degrees. This should take about 45 minutes. At this point, your liquid will look and smell tea-like. Add the honey to the “tea” and whisk to combine once it has cooled to preserve the beneficial and therapeutic properties of the honey. Whisk the lemon juice into the tea and honey mixture. Notice how the color starts to turn pink! Pour your creation into a sealable jar and store in the fridge for at least an hour to chill. You should have about four cups of lemonade from this recipe. Pour your lemonade over plenty of ice in your favorite glass cup to serve. Garnish with freshly picked mint and foraged berries to make this drink even more delightful!

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

 

20 small or 10 large stems (1/3 ounce/10 g) freshly cut sweet woodruff

¾ pounds (350 g) pink rhubarb stalks, roughly chopped

1½ cups (350 ml) water

¾ cup (250 g) honey

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

Wash and dry the sweet woodruff. Remove the leaves from the stems and spread them on a large plate. Let dry and wilt for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Combine chopped rhubarb and water in a medium non-reactive pot (no aluminum). Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 minutes until the rhubarb is soft enough to be easily mashed with a wooden spoon. Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and strain the rhubarb and its juice through the sieve. Let it drip undisturbed. Do your best to resist the urge to press the pulp to help it release its liquid as this will result in cloudy syrup. Pour the syrup into a sterilized jar and let it cool to room temperature. Add the wilted sweet woodruff leaves. Stir well so the leaves are fully immersed. Cover the jar with a screw-top lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, stirring once or twice a day. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the honey and lemon juice and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool, then pour into a sterilized bottle with a screw-top lid or a tight-fitting cork. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup is a versatile ingredient with a unique flavor profile that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the herby, slightly vanilla-like notes of sweet woodruff. Here are some ways to use it: 
Beverages:
  • Rhubarb Soda: Mix the syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  • Rhubarb Bellinis: Replace the traditional peach puree with rhubarb sweet woodruff syrup for a delightful twist on a classic cocktail.
  • Cocktails: Use the syrup in various cocktails like margaritas or mojitos for a unique flavor infusion. You can also experiment with your own creations. For example, a “Woodruff Collins” combines sweet woodruff infused bourbon, lemon juice, Aperol, and rhubarb soda.
  • Infuse Wine: Sweet woodruff is traditionally used to make German May wine. You can also infuse white wine or white grape juice with the syrup to create a May Wine Punch.
  • Kombucha Cocktails: Add the syrup to kombucha for a flavorful and tangy beverage. 
Desserts:
  • Drizzle on Ice Cream or Yogurt: The syrup adds a sweet and tart touch to vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
  • Drizzle on Cakes: Poke holes in a vanilla or lemon cake and drizzle the syrup over for added moisture and flavor.
  • Soak Between Cake Layers: Use it as a soak between cake layers to infuse a unique flavor and keep the cake moist.
  • Flavor Other Desserts: The syrup can be incorporated into recipes for baked goods like rhubarb muffins or drizzled over desserts like labneh or yogurt.
  • Set with Gelatin: You can set the syrup with gelatin to make a unique and flavorful jelly. 
Other Culinary Uses:
  • Enhance Rhubarb Dishes: Add a splash of the syrup to classic rhubarb dishes like rhubarb cake, rhubarb and custard, or rhubarb pie to enhance the flavor.
  • Topping for Breakfast Foods: Drizzle the syrup over French toast, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious tart and sweet combination. 
Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

 

2 cups (100g) packed raw young nettle leaves (use the top 4-6 leaves)

¾ cup (200g) butter at room temperature

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

zest and juice of ½ lemon

2 cups (250g) all-purpose (plain) flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

FOR THE LEMON BUTTERCREAM:

⅔ cup (150g) butter at room temperature

2 ½ cups (300g) powdered icing sugar

Zest and juice of ½ a lemon

 

Preheat oven to 325°F / 170°C. Grease and line two 7” (18cm) round cake tins. Using rubber gloves, carefully wash the stinging nettle leaves and remove any stems. Place in a pan of boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes. The sting will be removed with the boiling. Rinse under cold water, drain and puree with a stick blender (note: if you’re struggling to puree it, add the lemon juice at this stage). Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the pureed nettles, vanilla, zest and lemon juice. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt and stir to gently combine. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins, push to the edges and level, then bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the tins and then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing. For the Lemon Frosting: In a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add in the icing sugar and beat. Beat in the zest and a little of the lemon juice. Add more lemon juice to make it a frosting consistency and beat again. Store in the fridge until ready to use.  Spread a little of the buttercream between the layers of the completely cooled cakes and sandwich together. Cover the cake in the remaining buttercream and decorate with blackberries and lemon zest.

Cream of Scape Soup

Cream of Scape Soup

Cream of Scape Soup

 

12 scapes, blossom ends removed

3 cups good-quality chicken broth

1 small bunch fresh thyme sprigs

1 medium to large potato, peeled and cubed

1 cup half and half

Salt

Pepper

Pinch cayenne

White wine vinegar

Croutons to serve

 

Cut the scapes into 2-inch chunks and chop coarsely in the food processor. Put chopped scapes in a large saucepan with 2 cups of the chicken broth and the thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, reserving the broth. Discard the solids. Pour the broth back in the pan and add the potato and the remaining stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook until the potato is soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Puree to a very smooth consistency. Add the cream and reheat. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and a dash of white wine vinegar. Serve with croutons.

Fava Bean and Knotweed Meatballs

Fava Bean and Knotweed Meatballs

Fava Bean and Knotweed Meatballs

 

1.5 lb. ground lamb

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or coarsely ground bread crumbs)

1 cup finely sliced scallions (or field garlic)

1/2 cup chopped dill

3 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. salt

Pepper

1  egg

2 T. grapeseed or canola oil

 

2 cups fava beans, shelled

2 cups tender Japanese knotweed tips

1 T. lemon juice

1 cup chicken broth

20 mint leaves, torn up

1 T. olive oil

 

In a large bowl combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well. (You could do this the day before and leave, covered, in the fridge.) Form the mixture into golfball-sized meatballs. It helps to wet the palms of your hands every now and then, to keep the mixture from sticking. Put aside on a plate (this can also be done the day before, and left covered in the fridge.) Heat a couple of T. of grapeseed oil in a large pan. When it is hot add about 8 meatballs, brown them on two sides; remove to a plate and brown the next batch (they should not be cooked though). Once they have all been browned return them to the pan, and add the fava beans, the lemon juice, and the cup of chicken broth. Over high heat shake the pan to get the beans in touch with the hot liquid. They will begin to lose its fresh green color. After 5 minutes add the knotweed (or peas) and continue cooking until they are tender.

Braised Burdock, for Two

Braised Burdock, for Two

Braised Burdock, for Two

 

3 strips of pancetta or bacon, cut into smaller pieces (omit of you’re vegetarian, of course)

1 T. olive oil

1 medium onion, finely sliced

3 cloves garlic, crushed half heartedly

2 medium carrots, cut down the middle and then into half moons, or as you like your carrots

2 sticks celery, strings peeled and cut into thinnish slices

3 cups peeled burdock stems in 3 inch batons

4 sprigs of fresh thyme

1/2 cup fruity white wine

Water

2 medium potatoes (if you are afraid, as I was, that you will still be hungry), cubed

1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. sugar

Salt and pepper

 

Over medium heat cook the pancetta or bacon till fat starts to run. Add the olive oil and then the onion and garlic and saute till glistening and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and burdock. Cook until they take on a little colour. Now add the wine, thyme, sugar and enough water to cover the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a simmer. Keep it at a gentle simmer for half an hour. Add the potatoes. Cook another 15 minutes and then pierce the potatoes with a sharp knife to test for tenderness. If they are tender uncover the pan and continue cooking at slightly higher heat to reduce the cooking liquid. Add the lemon juice, stir and taste again. Adjust with a little more sugar or salt if necessary. Continue cooking until the juice has all but disappeared and turned rather sticky and intense.

Stir fried Purslane, Chinese Style

Stir fried Purslane, Chinese Style

Stir fried Purslane, Chinese Style

 

1 or 2 bunches purslane

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

 

Wash purslane, shake dry and trim off the roots and tough lower ends of the stems. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil and fry garlic on low heat until fragrant. Toss in the purslane and stir fry for 1 minute, add soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and mix quickly.

Sauteed Morels with Eilderflower and Miner’s Lettuce

Sauteed Morels with Eilderflower and Miner’s Lettuce

Sauteed Morels with Eilderflower and Miner’s Lettuce

 

1 1/2 lb miner’s lettuce

1/4 cup champagne vinegar

1/3 cup elderflower syrup

1 shallot, minced

2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 cup olive oil

1 lb fresh morel mushrooms

1 tsp. cracked black pepper

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, minced

 

Mince the shallot and place in a small mixing bowl. Add the champagne vinegar and allow to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Add most of the olive oil, sea salt, elderflower syrup, thyme leaves and black pepper and whisk the dressing vigorously for one minute. Clean the miner’s lettuce and allow to dry. Place into a large salad bowl. In a medium saucepan or skillet, add 3 tbsp. of olive oil and bring to medium heat. Toss in the morels and sauté until lightly browned. Combine the dressing, morels and lettuce in the salad bowl and toss together gently.  Note: One of the main ingredients in this recipe, miner’s lettuce, may need to be handpicked or found at a health food store. The good news is that this delicious wild edible can be found in most coastal regions and in the western mountains of the Americas. You can also use a tender lettuce, and mushrooms of your choice!

Garlic Mushroom Dandelion Greens

Garlic Mushroom Dandelion Greens

Garlic Mushroom Dandelion Greens

 

2 bunches of dandelion greens, lightly chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 red onion, chopped

3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1/2 cup red cooking wine

4 tablespoons olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion.  Sauté for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent and lightly brown. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they have reduced and softened. Add the dandelion greens, red wine, salt & pepper.  Cover the skillet for about 7 minutes or until the greens have softened.

Apple and Spicebush Bud Fizz

Apple and Spicebush Bud Fizz

Apple and spicebush bud fizz

 

2 ounces spring spicebush twigs

1½ pounds apples, cut up, not cored or peeled

1 C. sugar

4 C. water

 

To make the ferment: Combine the ingredients in a clean glass jar. Close the jar and tilt back and forth until the sugar dissolves. Remove the lid. Tie cheesecloth over the jar’s mouth with string. Place on a counter and stir daily. It will start bubbling within about 24 to 48 hours. On day 7 or 8, when it is good and fizzy, strain the liquid. Strain it again through cheesecloth. Bottle, and keep in the fridge. (Left out in the warmth, a still-fermenting bottle can explode).  To make vinegar: Return the strained ferment to the jar, cover with cheesecloth, and wait, swirling daily until a vinegar mother forms (it may not). When it smells and tastes like vinegar it is vinegar (3 to 5 weeks, generally). Transfer to narrow-necked bottles and seal.

Peppery Nasturtium Vinegar

Peppery Nasturtium Vinegar

Peppery Nasturtium Vinegar

 

2 C. nasturtium blossoms, washed and dried

1 C. nasturtium leaves

¼ C. chopped chives

2 sprigs rosemary

2 T. black peppercorns

4 C. white wine vinegar

 

Place flowers, leaves, chives, rosemary, and peppercorns in a jar; add vinegar. Cover with lid (if metal, put a sheet of plastic wrap in between the lid and jar). Steep for 2–3 weeks. Strain through cheesecloth into a bottle. Store in a cool, dark place.  NOTE: Add this peppery, flower- and herb-infused vinegar to stews and soups, or use it to make vinaigrette.

Nettle Naan

Nettle Naan

Nettle Naan

 

3½ to 4 C. all-purpose or bread flour

2 tsp. yeast

2 tsp. salt

3 T. powdered nettle

1 C. warm water

1 T. honey

⅜ C. milk or thin yogurt

2 to 3 T. olive or sunflower oil

 

Starting out with 3 C. flour, mix all ingredients together until a soft dough forms. You can do this by hand or in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Work dough several minutes, until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour only if necessary. Cover airtight and let rest for an hour. Deflate the dough and divide it into 12 evenly sized pieces. Roll into round balls, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes. (Or close airtight in a tub and chill for up to 24 hours.) Roll each ball out to a roughly 6-inch disc, then stretch into a teardrop shape. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on medium and lightly oil the surface. Cook naan for 1to 2 minutes on each side, or until flecked with brown and bubbled. Wrap in a cloth while you finish baking the remainder

Clover Soup

Clover Soup

Clover Soup

 

2 shallots, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 T. butter

2 C. white clover flowers and leaves (stems and roots fine too), coarsely chopped

4 C. chicken or vegetable broth

3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

Salt and pepper to taste

1 C. Cream or Milk, optional

 

In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute shallots and garlic in butter. When shallots are softened, add clover and stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook on medium heat until potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and reserve the cooking broth. Puree the drained clover mixture in a food processor. Blend the reserved cooking broth with the puree. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a couple minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.