Tag Archive

Connecting with Nature One Bite at a Time

WILD HARVESTING
By WREN SMITH
Shopping around in your backyard will not only save you money, but will also provide a vitalizing dose of direct contact with the natural world. When I notice the parade of plants that pop up in my yard and along frequented routes, I often contemplate my next plate of nourishment from the… »

Tips for Harvesting Wild Edibles

WILD HARVESTING

Be respectful! Consider the relationship that other species have to plants and leave some for other people and wildlife. Get permission if harvesting on other peoples’ property.

Acquaint yourself with the poisonous plants in your area, especially those that resemble something you wish to harvest.
Positively identify any plant before eating any part of it…. »

Dishes for a Wild Green Dinner

Photos and recipes submitted by KAREN DILL

Grilled Ramp Soup

½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 quarts chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Emeril’s Original Essence
4 bunches fresh ramps, trimmed and large leaves removed
For garnish:
4 grilled ramps
1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
Crust bread
Combine vegetable oil and flour in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium… »

ESSAY
All Things Wild and Wonderful:
How a foraged mountain food connected two children

Essay and photos by KAREN DILL

In April, the wild things emerge: Bears crawl from their dens; baby wolves are born while their parents howl at the moon; and mysteriously tender green shoots climb bravely from the ground. To an unsuspecting eye, the tiny foliage may resemble weeds, but to my mountain-bred father, they were supper.
My… »

Food, Love and Ms. Fannie Neal

ESSAY
By MAEGEN NEAL

As a choir of tree frogs and cicadas sang the night’s lullaby, the soft laughter of Fannie Neal’s survivors echoed off the evergreen trees and rusted junk cars. The thickness of a Kentucky summer still hung in the air, perspiring onto the blades of bluegrass and weeds that grew together in a sort of… »