Dryad's Saddle, by Kira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a mushroom hunter, forager or just like to get out and explore the forest you have probably come across this mushroom.

It is called Dryad's Saddle and is also known as pheasant's back.

Dryad's Saddle is often overlooked while hunting for the more popular Morels. These mushrooms are edible and very tasty!

If you are out collecting these juicy mushrooms it is best to take the younger ones, small to medium size.

Smaller specimens are still moist and tender and not dry and darkening.

These mushrooms smell of lemons and cucumbers.

When they are cooked they lose some of that fresh aroma and smell more like a typical mushroom.

Their odour and meatiness help to identify these while out in the bush.

Be careful not to overcook Dryad's saddle or will become chewy.

Properly prepared the texture is very meaty.

So if you are out searching for morels don't overlook these gems.

They are one of my favourites!

 

 

 

 

 

Morels! by Kira

I found them! I finally found them!

Morels, delicious morels.

The kids and I were heading out back to harvest some more asparagus and that is when I spotted them.

We have a wonderful property and I would have to say my favourite part is the old hardwood forest. This is where I find most treasures.

Our hardwood forest mostly consists of maple, beech, ash, birch and poplar.

I found these black morels at the base of a dead ash, which is a common place to find them.

I was so excited, and gasped so loudly I frighted Both Auren and Fern.

They both thought I had spotted a bear.

The kids were a great help hunting. They were crawling around the forest floor searching and when another was spotted it was followed by a squeal!

With yesterday's rain and the warm weather moving in, you know where you will find me and the kids in the morning.

Out hunting for morels!

 

Hunting Asparagus, by Kira.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seedlings for sale, Kira

There was success over these early spring months and I now have some extra seedling to sell!

If you are interested or have any questions you can email me at kvonzuben@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nettle & Leek soup, by Kira

 

 

 

The kids and I have been out foraging for tasty spring wild food. The forest here is full of wild leeks. We also have wet areas that are inhabited by the nettle, which we now have growing in my garden.

The black flies have started and the forest is now exploding with colour and life.

With the rain that is coming I hope the asparagus and morels will appear.

 

 

 

Leek & Nettle soup

10 cups of homemade chicken stock

1 onion diced

2 potatoes diced

1 cup of wild leeks

3 cups of nettles

Salt & pepper to taste

In a large pot lightly fry the potatoes and onion then add the chicken stock.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 mintues.

Add the leeks and nettles and simmer for another 5 mintues.

Cool and blend in a food processor.

This soup is great served hot or chilled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Release

As cozy as our home is in Winter,

we all grow tired of too much indoor time.

Winter is quiet and beautiful,

but is heavy to bear for so long.

The children grow restless as Winter fun turns weary.

They want to run and play.

Auren is an aspiring snake hunter.

He gets that from both sides of the family.

Already a master frogger,

he seeks the thrill of a good chase.

Dashing through a shallow pond he makes the catch.

And beams like his hero Austin Stevens.

The plants and trees grow vigorously in the warmth and sun.

But so do the children.

Open space and new experiences.

Hours of relentless play.

So quickly.

You can watch them grow.

The kids need us to care for them.

They need us to love them.

But more than that,

they yearn to prove themselves.

Mother and Father.

Both mentor and playmate

Close to home.

Close to Nature.

Classroom.

Proving ground.

Elements.

Creatures.

A child of God, is not a pious disciple.

But is immersed in the All.

To bend in the wind.

To flow with the water.

At peace with the land.

Our Eden.