Spring is a series of beginnings...
The season for coral and morel mushrooms is just beginning! These are cleaned and ready to saute in butter with shallots, thyme, a splash of dry vermouth and a dash of salt and pepper. They were enjoyed by Joanne and me with a tasty libation while sitting at the bistro table on my front porch. Yummy!
Because of the six weeks of additional Winter predicted by that varmint seeing his shadow upon his emergence...our mushroom season was delayed by three weeks. It's just starting now. Most years it would be over by now - last two weeks of April and winding up the first week of May. Not this year!
Last week the crab apple tree beside my balcony began to bud. Note the wizened tiny black apples from last year. This tree is a feast for birds all year long! And, a banquet for my eyes each Spring!
Today, May 8th, the blossoms have swollen to near bursting! They'll be open in a day or two! Can't wait.
My balcony beside bursting blossoms beautiful!
Other beginnings...
The flannel sheets are off my bed until next Autumn. Summer cotton sheets are back on.
The nighttime temperatures are now above freezing...into the 40's which is perfect for forest mushrooms!
The days are in the warm and balmy 70's. Winter clothes are again in hibernation until late Fall.
My palate has moved from Winter's comfort foods to lighter fare such as green drinks, salads, tossed pasta dishes, and foraged Spring greens...dandelions, wood sorrel, miner's lettuce, and more!
Spring is exciting. If I don't keep my eyes open I'll miss all the series of beginnings that this transitional time bestows.
* * * *
Alone with myself
The trees bend to caress me
The shade hugs my heart.
~Candy Polgar
Me, the balcony, the apple tree beyond!
My favorite time of year. So lucky to be able to pick yummy mushrooms practically in your backyard.
Posted by: Sandy Olsen | 05/08/2018 at 02:53 PM