It's a Dandie Time of Year

Just to update you all....yes, I ate dandelions and the verdict.....delicious! Honestly, I was a bit dubious as to them tasting good, but there it is. I picked the buds off some very large dandelions, blanched them for a minute then added them to sauteed shallots and garlic. Amazingly good. I can't believe I have never done this before...I will absolutely be going out for more.

Saturday I went to the Sister Annual Perennial Sale on Bond St. I was floored and absolutely thrilled. This sale has been going on for 8 years and started most humbly with a few gals gathering up their extra plants to sell. Now it seems like a full-scale operation, complete with many helpers, charity giving, and Massachusetts native plants. Many folks traveled from surrounding towns just to have a chance at getting a few plants, but by the time we left at 9:30am many of them were sold out! Impressive and warm and fuzzy despite the rain showers. I am sorry I didn't tell you about it before-hand, but I am a newbie and wanted to check it out first. I purchased a great many plants and have high hopes for them all. Fantastic find! The planting of them made me ache all day on Sunday, which is why we decided to go easy on the chore work and take a ride instead.

Our ride to Newburyport included a stop at Tendercrop Farm. What a great place. They sell their own farm grown items as well as imported produce and meat. I purchased some meat, as I am totally out from my stocks. The farm raises grass fed meat...although not organic. Last night we had hamburger for dinner and I have to say it was totally tasty and fresh. The prices actually seem reasonable for the products. The big surprise was that they had fresh picked asparagus and spinach! The season has begun!

My garden is getting in tip-top shape. I planted onions and potatoes in the raised beds...and my husband made trellises for the "big" garden. So far...so good. I am waiting on my seedlings from an organic farm in NH which will be picked up this weekend.

So spring has spung with a great start. Hope you are enjoying it.

I Ate My Lawn For Dinner

I am serious! 'Tis the season for terrific edibles right in your own backyard! Last night's menu included common blue violets. I have to admit I have never tried them before, but researched and confirmed that the flowers and tender new leaves are not only edible, but super tasty. Imagine a sweet peppery lettuce and that is how the flowers tasted. The leaves were a bit more earthy but still good and filled with vitamins.

How did I know about these wild edibles? It started with the naming thing and then spread out from there. Last year I went on an amazing walk with wild food author Russ Cohen. Just within 100 yards of our start he identified 10 different plants that you can not only eat, but enjoy. His book is wonderful because it really specifies our local area and lists what you can find during the average week throughout the year. I highly recommend his walks. It felt like he was some sort of zen master and we were just young grasshoppers.

So what is an easy edible to find in Reading? We are at the tail end of dandelions. The choice part is the flower buds (not the leaves) quickly blanched then prepared. I am determined to do this this year, but still have not had a chance.

In today's globe there is an article about "green" not being so green. Just know that eating wild is as green as you can get. There are many books on the topic and it can get totally addicting. Of course please make sure you have identified your plants correctly as to prevent poisoning!

My next conquest is to use the ground ivy that has taken over a section of my backyard to make a tea. Come on over for a cup.

Capitalism (1948)

Pretend you are sitting at the table with these fine young Americans participating in the forum. What say you about Mr. Brown's wienies. Discuss while I am away on some much needed R.R.

Get that garden ready!