Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms..Yummy Spring Harvest in Missouri

MAY AND JUNE 2013:  MISSOURI MUSHROOM BONANZA

Fresh Chicken of the Woods mushrooms harvested here in Missouri, Spring 2013

MY FAVORITE:  SAUTEED IN BUTTER WITH WILD ONION

MY SECOND FAVORITE:  ROLLED IN SEASONED FLOWER AND DEEP FRIED

THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR I'VE FOUND THESE OR EATEN THESE MUSHROOM....I WILL NEVER AGAIN SAY MORELS ARE THE BEST MUSHROOMS IN MISSOURI!  These mushrooms tasted just like chicken and grew in plentiful clumps around every corner.  I've read on most mushroom sites that the sulfur shelf or chicken-of-the-woods is a Fall mushroom, but I've found three large groupings in various locations here in Southwest Missouri and it appears everyone else walks past them to find Morels...That's okay, keep walking, I'll take the Chickens!   

Chickweed: Cooling herb and tasty too! Backyard Groceries

EAT IT RAW.....ON SALADS....COOLS YOUR HEAD IN THE SUMMER AS A COMPRESS RIGHT OUT OF THE GROUND

What gets praise from some and cursed by others? Costs $15 per pound to buy and kill?

       THESE LITTLE WEEDS!

 

While reading online I realized some farmers are growing dandelions ON PURPOSE! Most local folks I know cuss this weed every summer as they try to keep it out of their manicured landscaping. I've been caught "looking normal" several times picking these weeds out of my yard too, but little do they know, I have been forcing my family to eat these little flowers, their leaves, and roots for a few years now.  Actually, I only had to "force feed" them once, then they were hooked!  "Tempura Dandelions" seems to be the favorite around here! And with our five year old, anything he can dip in ketchup is a BIG HIT!  Just get a Tempura batter recipe you like and dip the flowers and greens in the batter, fry, and you have a great snack that beats tater tots!  Plus, It's a great conversation piece!!  "What are you cooking tonight, Jane?"...."Oh, I don't know, maybe some yard clippings, Bob."  

If you're into the healthier non-deep-fried treat, not to worry, try picking a few of the leaves and new flowers to add to your favorite green salad for additional vitamins and color!  Also, the greens on these little weeds are great cooked just like spinach or sauteed with some olive oil and onion.   The flower buds can be made into pickles and there are numerous recipes for dandelion wines, jelly, root tea, and anything else you can imagine out there on the internet. 

Bewildering as it is, some people spend $15 per pound to kill the dandelions from their yard while others buy the teas and roots for about the same price to increase the health of their livers and digestive system....GO FIGURE! Actually, with the cost of Garden Weasels, Weed Whackers, Roundup, and intensive labor invested in the destruction of this deep rooting, fast growing plant, I'm sure the price-tag to destroy the dandelion FAR exceeds $15 per pound!  

So, let me offer you the following solution:  Take-a-break, America!  Sit back, relax with some dandelion root tea, enjoy the beautiful yellow speckled yards, mix up a pot of dandelion greens and BE VERY THANKFUL you never have to worry about killing this wonderful, culinary herb ever again!  

IT'S ABOUT TIME THE ELDERBERRY SHINED! GO MISSOURI SAMBUCUS!!

http://muconf.missouri.edu/ElderberrySymposium/

An International Symposium on Elderberry!! IT'S ABOUT TIME! These small tree's grow wild all over Missouri, I have a couple favorites along an unmentioned roadside here locally I like to harvest from. I'm always afraid ambitious road crew will chop them down. Maybe as the health benefits and uses gain international attention the plant will be a protected, cherished species instead of a disposable ditch weed!

http://postlogger.com/social/blog/view/6443/give-me-your-sambucus

Trillium Sessile one of Missouri's Edible Wildflowers

Trillium is a fairly common wildflower in Missouri although some types are endangered throughout the country.  I've never seen Trillium prior to finding a large area of it near Caplinger Mills, Mo a few years ago.  American Indians used the root powder to stop bleeding during childbirth.  Its also been reported have been used to stop other forms of bleeding including nosebleeds. Some sources say the Native Americans drank tea for multiple ailments.  The bruised leaves are also used for boils or skin eruptions in the form of a poultice.

 The flower has three green leaves that sometimes appear mottled.  The flower is a deep, dark red color other types of trillium have white flowers and green flowers.  The trillium flower has three petals pointing straight up and open slightly as the flower ages.  The stamen is usually yellow.  Its common name is Wake Robin, toadshade.  HIGHLY EDIBLE TOO!!  The leaves taste like sunflower seeds and are a great addition to salads!

Mandevilla Garden Flower by Lenox (Google Affiliate Ad)

SPRING FEVER

 I like to country cruise, much to my boyfriends dismay, and hijack various botanical samples / food / etc.  When he's willing to drive me about, listening to my constant botanical chatter, I find the most amazing things!  Last fall I snagged some HUGE puffball mushroom heads out of an old field.  I know, its not cool to steal mushrooms, but I am guilty!  

I'd never had them before last fall.  My sister and I used to kick them around when we were young.  They are in prime kicking form when they turn all brownish-green and powdery, but I had no idea you could ear them when they are young.  

RECIPE:  Prep is a snap!  Just peel off the outside thicker layer (if you want) I didn't do this step and they tasted just fine.  Then, soak em salt water for an hour if ya want.  Cube them and saute in butter with salt, pepper, and a little diced onion.  I thought they were awesome.  I tricked my kids into eating them and they thought they tasted like scrambled eggs (and they do).  I also added them to beef stew...really good stuff! 

I can't wait til spring!!  See next page for pictures