With its bright, tart flavor, sumac is a fun foraged ingredient to work with in the late summer. North American varieties of sumac can be used similarly to their cousin, R. coriaria, a spice commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Its complex, sour flavor adds a unique twist to a variety of dishes. I also like to add sumac to baked goods. Find my Apple Sumac Muffins recipe here. The ripe…
Late summer is a time of abundance, with gardens overflowing and the fields and forests offering plenty of wild foods to forage. Since ancient times, people have celebrated this season with harvest festivals, giving thanks for the food that would sustain their families through the long cold winter months. Celebrating Lammas Observed on August 1st, Lammas marks the beginning of the grain harvest. The name Lammas comes from the Old English hlāfmæsse, meaning “loaf mass.” Also…
One of the best things about summer is the amazing array of fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs available in abundance from the garden (and growing wild in the fields & forests too!) With so many ingredients at their peak, it’s the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. Seasonal produce can inspire refreshing drinks, delightful main dishes, divine desserts, zesty condiments, and more. The recipes below celebrate some of my…
This simple vinaigrette is a lovely way to infuse your summer salads with the flavor and soothing spirit of chamomile. Tangy and floral, it pairs beautifully with fresh greens and seasonal herbs. Garnish with fresh chamomile blossoms for a sweet finishing touch.
Hawthorn is well-known for its ability to physically strengthen the heart. It has been shown to help regulate blood pressure & cholesterol, promote cardiac function, and reduce palpitations. Hawthorn is also a calming nervine that deeply nourishes the emotional heart. It is a wonderful ally for soothing grief, worry, and heartache. When combined with relaxing, uplifting rose, these two herbs make for a gentle yet potent formula. Whip up a…
While often overlooked as a pesky weed due to their sting, nettles (Urtica dioica) have long been cherished by herbalists for their edible and medicinal qualities. Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrient-dense greens are the perfect addition to a variety of dishes– and spring is the perfect time to harvest their tender tops…
Making pine needle soda is a fun wintertime project. Rich in probiotics, this homemade wild-fermented drink is a delicious alternative to sugary store-bought beverages. Whipping up some pine soda is also a great activity to do with little ones. Crafting this bubbly beverage is a simple way to introduce children to the wonders of foraging and fermentation. And kids will love drinking something they helped make! This post contains affiliate links. As…
Spitzbubens are one of the most beloved Christmas cookies in Switzerland, where my husband was born, and were his favorite festive treat as a kid. Making them has become a holiday tradition for our family, and they’ve become one of my kids’ favorite Christmas cookies too. Spitzbuben: A Classic Swiss Christmas Cookie Spitzbuben is a sweet shortcrust pastry made by sandwiching jam between two cookies. The top cookie typically has…
Evergreens have been an important part of winter celebrations since ancient times. From wreaths, garlands, and the classic Christmas tree, decorating with pine, fir, and spruce has long been a quintessential part of festive traditions. Evergreens are also a lovely ingredient in the holiday kitchen. Pine, spruce, and fir are all edible and can be a delicious addition to beverages, baked goods, condiments, and more! I work with pine the…
As fall fades into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the rainy season is beginning in the Ecuadorian Andes. Indoor heating isn’t common here because the temperatures are generally fairly mild, but this time of year especially, evenings in the mountains can grow quite chilly. On nights like these, you’ll want a warm sweater and a nice thick blanket. And wrapping your hands around a hot mug of canelazo is the…