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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.

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.

Chickweed “Sprouts” with Goat Cheese in Toasted Veggie Sandwiches

Chickweed “Sprouts” with Goat Cheese in Toasted Veggie Sandwiches

Chickweed “Sprouts” with Goat Cheese in Toasted Veggie Sandwiches

 

2 T. mayonnaise, divided

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. honey

1 C. chickweed, rinsed and patted dry

4 slices of bread (use your favorite)

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/2 ripe avocado, sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick

1 roasted red pepper, sliced lengthwise 1/2 inch thick

2 slices hard chevre or 2 T. soft chevre

6 kalamata olives, pitted and minced

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Blend 1 T. mayonnaise with vinegar and honey. Add chickweed and toss.

Toast bread. For each sandwich, spread a slice of bread with Dijon mustard and another slice with remaining mayonnaise. Layer avocado, red peppers, cheese, dressed chickweed, and kalamata olives between the two pieces of toast. Season to taste. Slice in half diagonally and serve.

Cat’s Ear and Clam Linguine

Cat’s Ear and Clam Linguine

Cat’s Ear and Clam Linguine

 

1 pound linguine

1/4 C. butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, coarsely chopped

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

3 T. good salami, diced

2 pounds small fresh clams, scrubbed

2/3 C. dry white wine

2 C. cat’s ear leaves, chopped to 1-inch pieces

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Cook the linguine in boiling water until it’s al dente and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté in butter the garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, and salami until shallots are softened. Add clams and wine and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and simmer until the clams open, about 5 minutes. Add the cat’s ear and al dente pasta. Cook on medium heat until the pasta has absorbed almost all of the remaining liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately

Nettle & Mint Tea

Nettle & Mint Tea

Nettle & Mint Tea

 

1 T. dried nettle leaf

1 T. dried mint leaf (any variety)

 

Steep in glass jar with near boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.  Strain and add honey or maple syrup to taste (optional).  Enjoy hot or cold.

Fig Leaf Simple Syrup

Fig Leaf Simple Syrup

Fig Leaf Simple Syrup

 

6 ounces light brown sugar

6 ounces demerara sugar

6 ounces raw honey

Two fig leaves, de-stemmed, about the size of your hand

 

Pick leaves that are not fully mature, but have been on the tree for a few days. The picked end of the leaf will ooze a sap. Try not to touch the sap, but if you do, simply wash your hands. Rinse the leaves making sure to rinse away as much sap as possible. Put 20 ounces of water in a saucepan. Add sugars and honey and bring to a slow boil. Once all sugar and honey have completely dissolved, add in two fig leaves and stir. Let them steep for a couple of hours or until liquid is cool enough to handle. Strain, store in sterilized jar and refrigerate. Keep in your fridge for up to a month.

 

  • Drizzle it on oatmeal, cream of wheat or grits for breakfast.
  • It is also a lovely topping for pancakes and waffles.
  • Use it in a cocktail, I want to create something with chocolate vodka and fig leaf syrup.
  • It is delicious on a soft tangy cheese such as a goats cheese.
  • Pair it with a tangy cheese, apple slices, and pistachios for a lovely bruschetta topping.
  • Whisk it into a salad dressing. I combined it with olive oil, honey mustard, shallots, salt, pepper, and vinegar to make a delicious salad dressing.
  • Add it to some yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts for a healthy snack.
  • Make a batch of pumpkin or apple fritters and give them a quick dip in some fig leaf syrup.

 

Watercress & Wild Garlic Herb Spread

Watercress & Wild Garlic Herb Spread

Watercress & Wild Garlic Herb Spread

 

1 C. watercress leaves, minced

2 stalks wild garlic (or 1 large garlic clove), minced

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

4 oz. butter, room temperature

1/2 tsp. each: dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, dill leaves

 

Mix everything together, either by hand, in processor, or mixer. Store in refrigerator, covered, up to 2 weeks.

Wildflower Jellly

Wildflower Jellly

Wildflower Jellly

Infusion: You first have to coax the flavor and color out of the flowers by making an infusion. Measure blossoms before cleaning.

 

Redbud: 3 cups packed flowers to 4 cups boiling water

Honeysuckle: 3 cups packed flowers to 4 cups boiling water

Violet: 4 cups packed flowers to 4 cups boiling water

Forsythia: 4 cups packed flowers to 4 cups boiling water

Dandelion: 2 cups packed flowers to 4 cups boiling water.

 

Place flowers in bowl. Pour boiling water over. Weigh down with saucer to keep petals under the water. Infuse 12 hours at room temperature.  Strain through a fine strainer, pressing down on solids. You should have 3 cups infusion. If not, add water to make 3 cups. Infusion can be frozen up to 6 months.

Master Recipe Wildflower Jelly

 

Recipe makes about six jars, 8 oz. each. Use any size jar you like, as long as they’re glass canning jars with proper lids and rings. Wildflower jelly is lovely on a warm scone.

 

3 cups wildflower infusion

1/4 cup strained lemon juice

1 box (1.75 oz.) powdered pectin

41/2 cups granulated sugar

 

Boil jars on rack in large pot filled with water for 10 minutes. Keep in hot water until ready to fill. In small pan, keep lids and rings in hot water.  Place infusion, lemon juice, and pectin in a 6–8 quart pot. Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil, one that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly. Continue stirring, add sugar all at once and bring back to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Pour into hot jars to within 1/4 inch from top. Remove any foam. Wipe rims with a clean, wet cloth. Place lids on jars, screw on rings. Process sealed jelly in boiling water bath for 5 minutes. Let cool away from drafts. Check seals after one hour. Refrigerate unsealed jars. Sealed jars keep in pantry up to 1 year.

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

Cream of Lambsquarter Soup

 

1/4 C. butter

1/4 C. flour

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 C. organic chicken or vegetable broth

1 pound unsprayed lambsquarter

1 C. light or ‘half-and-half’ cream

Salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste

 

In a heavy-bottomed medium pot, cook the onions in the butter, over medium-low heat until onions have softened (about 5 to 10 minutes). Add the flour and stir constantly, cooking for a minute. Add the chicken broth slowly, a little at a time, while whisking well to avoid the flour lumping. Simmer the soup for about 10 minutes or until thickened, whisking frequently. Add the lambsquarter, and cook for another 4 or 5 minutes or until lambsquarter is tender but has not lost its vibrant color. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Using a hand blender or a counter top blender, purée the soup until smooth and velvety. Return the soup to its saucepan, add the cream and return to heat. Bring the soup back up to temperature but do not boil after the cream has been added. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Enjoy with warm crusty bread or croutons.

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

 

Spicebush twigs or bamboo skewers

1 tsp. spicebush berries

½ tsp. ground cumin

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce (or 1½ T. regular soy sauce)

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. shrimp, preferably jumbo or extra large, peeled, tails left on

 

If you’d like to skewer the shrimp on spicebush twigs, find an established spicebush shrub (or shrubs) that can stand to lose a number of thin branches. Look for relatively straight twigs that are sturdy and brown, not green, and avoid twigs that have berries on them (that way wildlife can feed on the berries later). The twigs should snap right off the shrub. Strip off the leaves and any smaller twigs. Save the leaves to dry for spicebush tea, if you like. If using bamboo skewers, soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Grind the spicebush in a mortar and pestle, or use the flat of your knife to crush the berries against a cutting board, then mince them until powdery. Combine the ground spicebush, cumin, soy sauce, olive oil, and shrimp in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high. As the grill heats, thread the shrimp on the twigs or skewers. This step will take a little longer if you’re using spicebush twigs, since the twigs aren’t straight as arrows. It helps to snip the end of the twig on the bias with kitchen shears to make a pointy tip for skewering. Grill the shrimp until no longer opaque and firm when you press one with your finger, about 4 minutes per side (timing will depend on the heat of the grill and the size of your shrimp). Serve immediately.

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bunch wild garlic, finely chopped (Or, chives finely chopped)

1/2 head celery, finely chopped

2 stems fresh lovage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried lovage)

1 lemon, grated zest and juice

200g rice

1L vegetable stock

salt and pepper, to season

a little butter or vegetable oil for sweating the vegetables

 

A deliciously fresh and delicate soup with heirloom herbs that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Add the chopped onion, wild garlic and celery to a large saucepan with a little butter or oil and sweat over a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir before adding the vegetable stock, chopped lovage, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt and pepper to season. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and vegetables are soft. Check the seasoning before serving in warm soup bowls with crusty bread and/or croutons.

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

 

5 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, gently crushed

2 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

16 C. walnuts

8 ounces fresh morels, halved lengthwise

1 T. finely chopped Italian parsley

1/4 tsp. saffron threads, soaked in1/3 C. boiling water for 30 minutes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces pipe pasta

1/2 C. fresh ricotta

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

Mushrooms need to be cleaned right before using them. The general rule is to handle them as little as possible, since they are delicate gifts from nature. Shake the mushrooms to get rid of loose dirt. Use a mushroom brush or damp cloth to remove soil residue. Soak morels in cold water for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse, and repeat twice (or more if necessary), then dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Uncleaned mushrooms will keep in the refrigerator for a few days in a paper bag with some holes poked in it.  In a large pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning. Add the pancetta and walnuts, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the morels and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add the parsley, saffron water, salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat but leave the pan on the burner. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pipe until al dente, drain, and transfer to the pan. Energetically stir in the ricotta, making sure the pasta is blended. Add two-thirds of the Parmigiano, and stir to combine. Plate in four bowls. Finish with additional walnuts, the remaining Parmigiano. and a drizzle of oil.

Honeyed Dandelion Fritters

Honeyed Dandelion Fritters

Honeyed Dandelion Fritters

 

3/4 cup all-purpose white or whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten-free flour mix)

1/4 cup cornmeal

1 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of sea salt

1 egg

1 cup milk (or any dairy-free milk substitute)

1 T. honey

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. each ground cardamom and cinnamon

High temperature oil for frying (such as coconut, sunflower, canola or peanut)

2 cups freshly picked dandelion flowers*

 

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.  In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. In another larger bowl, whisk together egg, milk, honey, vanilla and spices. Whisk the flour mix into the liquid mix just until smooth.  Pick up each dandelion flower by its base, dip in the batter, and fry flower-side down. Repeat to fill, but not overcrowd, the pan. Flip each fritter once it is golden brown to fry the other side, then remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels.  Serve while still warm, drizzled with honey. Try them with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat!  Dandelion flowers must be freshly picked or else they close up. Late morning or early afternoon are the best times to pick. If you’re up for more work, you can remove the bitter tasting downward-facing green bracts at bottom of each flower.

Foraged Mulberry and Basil Chia Jam with Purple Opal Basil Microgreens

Foraged Mulberry and Basil Chia Jam with Purple Opal Basil Microgreens

Foraged Mulberry and Basil Chia Jam with Purple Opal Basil Microgreens

 

2 cups chopped fruit (mulberries and rhubarb used here)

1 to 2 T. lemon juice, to taste

1-2 T. honey, agave, maple syrup, sugar, or stevia, to taste

Optional: 1 handful of basil microgreens (purple basil microgreens used here, regular basil or other herbs also okay), plus more for garnish

2 T. chia seeds, plus more if needed

 

Prepare fruit as needed (wash, remove stems, pits seeds, etc.), chop large fruit into pieces, berried can be left whole. Mulberries and chopped rhubarb used here. Transfer the fruit to a saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook until the fruit breaks down and becomes syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes. Mash the fruit with the back of a spatula or slotted spoon, leaving it as smooth or as lumpy as you like. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey, to taste. Stir in microgreen herbs (micro purple opal basil used here) or regular herbs if using (mince regular herbs finely), until wilted. Stir in the chia seeds. Let stand 5 minutes, until thickened. This won’t quite reach the firm consistency of regular jam, but it will noticeably thicken. If you’d like a thicker consistency, especially with very juicy fruits, stir in more chia seeds 1 tsp at a time. Once the jam has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a jar or other storage container. Store in the fridge for about 2 weeks. The jam will thicken further and become more set once completely chilled. The jam can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before using.

Gigli with Olympic Peninsula Stinging Nettles

Gigli with Olympic Peninsula Stinging Nettles

Gigli with Olympic Peninsula Stinging Nettles

 

3 to 4 ounces young stinging nettles

1/2 cup raw walnuts

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces gigli pasta

1/3 cup grated ricotta salata

2 T. Calabrian chili oil

8 to 10 edible spring flowers

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In the meantime, put on gloves and clean the nettles, removing the stems and keeping just the leaves. Rinse the leaves, then blanch them in the boiling water for less than a minute. Cool them down under cold water or in an ice bath.  When the nettles are cool, drain them, making sure to remove the excess water. In a food processor on low speed, blend the nettles, walnuts, olive oil. and Parmigiano. until the pesto is creamy but not liquefied (it should still have some texture). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gigli until al dente and drain. In a medium pan over medium heat, quickly sauté the pasta and pesto for a minute, adding pasta water as necessary to bind the ingredients. Plate in four bowls. Finish with the ricotta salata, a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil, and a couple of edible flowers. Enjoy the spring season on a plate.

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

Cream of Lovage Soup with Edible Spring Herb Flowers

 

2 T. salted butter

1 medium cooking onion, finely chopped

2 cups loosely packed, chopped fresh lovage leaves

8 cups chicken stock

4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper

Small handful fresh spring herb flowers

2 T. hemp or good quality olive oil

 

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly translucent. Add the lovage and sauté until it wilts, 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and break apart easily with a fork. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Once the soup is completely cool, working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Return to the pot and warm through over medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and drizzle with hemp or olive oil. Serve garnished with fresh herb flower blossoms. I love rosemary and sweet cicely, but experiment with your own favorites.

Wild Nettle Green Curry

Wild Nettle Green Curry

Wild Nettle Green Curry

 

1 can full-fat coconut milk

1 T. green curry paste

1 C. water

1 T. fish sauce

1 tsp. coconut sugar (can substitute brown sugar)

1 C. lightly packed nettle leaves (can substitute other mild wild greens such as lambs quarter or orache)

2–3 C. pre-cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, red pepper, peas, leftover chicken, etc. (or meat)

Optional: Warm rice for serving. Thai basil for garnish.

 

In a medium-sized pan, melt the solid lump of coconut fat (scraped from the top of the tin of coconut milk) over medium-high heat. Add the curry paste and sizzle it for 2 minutes’ until it becomes intensely fragrant. Stir in the remaining liquid from the coconut milk can, as well as the water, fish sauce and sugar. Bring the mixture to a light boil, with small bubbles breaking the surface. Drop the nettle leaves into the bubbling curry and let them cook for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and set down on a heat-proof surface. Using a stick blender, blend the contents of the curry until smooth, then return the pan to the heat and continue to let simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in your pre-cooked vegetables (or meat) and let them heat through. Adjust salt to taste and serve the curry over warm rice.

Grandma Norma’s Wild Huckleberry Tart

Grandma Norma’s Wild Huckleberry Tart

Grandma Norma’s Wild Huckleberry Tart

 

1 cup flour

2 tablespoons sugar

½ cup chilled butter, cut into small chunks, plus additional to grease the springform pan

1 tablespoon milk (or non-dairy substitute)

 

2 cups huckleberries, plus 2 additional cups to top the baked tart

½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 pinch salt

 

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they come together in a ball. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the filling. Gently toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl until combined. Set aside. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and coat the sides of the pan lightly with butter to prevent sticking. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Working with your fingers, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and up the side about 1 inch high. Pour the huckleberry filling evenly over the crust and bake for 40 minutes on the center rack of the oven. Remove the tart from the oven and immediately pour the reserved fresh huckleberries over the top. The heat from the baked filling will partially cook these berries. Place the tart on a baking rack to cool completely. Remove the tart from the springform pan and gently transfer to a serving plate. Slice into wedges and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to serve.