Berries and Fruits

Berries of the Sierra Nevada

The high Sierra, or really any Western mountain range, is a treasure trove of summer berries. We recently found four different kinds on one trip.

How-To (DIY stuff)

Berries of the Central Valley

I've been on a wild berry rampage this month. This will be the first of three berry posts, starting with picking elderberries and blackberries here in the Central Valley.

How-To (DIY stuff)

Manzanita Cider

If you live on the West Coast, you've seen the stunning, red-barked shrub called manzanita. But I bet you did not know the berries make a delicious cider...

Foraging

Wild Fennel

Fennel, also known as anise, is one of my favorite vegetables. It also happens to grow wild around here. Summer's the time to collect wild fennel pollen as well as the plant's delicious green seeds.

Foraging

Dining on Daylilies

While I always knew daylilies were edible, I had no idea they were so delicious! We gathered a bunch on my trip to New England last week and they're so good I may grow them as a food crop.

How-To (DIY stuff)

The Courage to Cook with Borage

Not everyone knows that the borage plant is edible. So are borage flowers. Most people barely even know what borage…

Foraging

Harvesting Elderberries

Harvesting elderberries is a rite of summer or early autumn for people all over the United States, Canada and Europe.…

Recipe

Elderflower Syrup and Cordial

May is a wonderful month. Flowers are everywhere, fishing is getting into gear and the summer garden is laden with…

How-To (DIY stuff)

Wild Salsify Lives Everywhere

I see salsify. It’s everywhere. And I didn’t know it was salsify. Until now. We have had wild salsify root…

Uncategorized

Elderflower Syrup

This floral, sweet-smelling syrup is a perfect match with seltzer water or, better yet, champagne. I add lemon to my…

Uncategorized

Elderflower Liqueur

Making your own elderflower liqueur, or cordial, is a way to remember that moment when spring becomes summer, even in…