Peripatetic philomaths…focusing on what's really important, eating ethically and cleanly, fermenting, foraging/wildcrafting, practicing herbalism, and being responsible stewards of our land. Sharing our photos, musings, and learnings. Still seeking our tribe.
On hot summer days, the fragrance of honeysuckle fills the air, reminding me that it’s time to get out in the midday heat – when the blooms are at their peak – and harvest enough for wine. While I made wine, I also decided to try making a honeysuckle mead (metheglin). I’m pleased to say that it came out so good, I’m planning to make it every season!
Continue reading “Winecraft: Honeysuckle Mead (Metheglin)”
It’s elderberry foraging season! Ever since I discovered how easy it is to make immune-boosting (and delicious) elderberry syrup in the Instant Pot, it’s become my go-to method. And that syrup is the perfect addition to the probiotic goodness of water kefir!
Continue reading “Ferment This: No Sugar Added Elderberry Water Kefir”
The walnut trees are producing this year – hurrah!! Last year was, to my disappointment, a bust. With the last of the Nocino left from the 2019 batch looking forlorn in its mostly-empty bottles, I happily set about making another – and bigger – batch!
Continue reading “Wildcrafted: Finally Making Black Walnut Liqueur (Nocino) Again”
Is your idea of the perfect jam one that tastes like biting into a sweet, juicy berry? Do you like the crunchy texture of seeds in your jam? Is a simple recipe, without pectin, a bonus? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you’ll love this easy, scalable jam!
Continue reading “Farm Foraging: Small Batch Black Raspberry Jam”
2020 was a banner year here for elderflowers and, later, elderberries. The amazing bounty allowed me to make wine, syrup, and – a first – liqueur. After nearly six months of infusing, the liqueur was ready for bottling!
Continue reading “Wildcrafted: Elderberry Liqueur”
What happens when you marry the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh orange water kefir and the crisp and uplifting notes of homemade pine needle-infused vodka? An incredibly smooth and complex drink that will make the holidays very happy, indeed!
Continue reading “Farm Tipples: The Conifer Crush”
Did you know that you can infuse vodka with pine needles and create a uniquely delightful foraged liquor? Not just a pretty evergreen, pine adds teasingly complex flavor to the blank slate of vodka.
Continue reading “Wildcrafted: Holiday Pine-Infused Liquor”
We’re surrounded by the incredible beauty – arguably, mundane beauty – of wildflowers. Some belong to what we call “weeds” (undeservedly pejorative), but each has its charm, value, and/or use. While I truly do appreciate their aesthetic appeal, I also appreciate the range of wines that can be made from the edible flowers: some delicate, some bold, and all unique.
Continue reading “Winecraft: Working Wildflowers”
I never cease to be amazed at how useful my Instant Pots are…and how easy they’ve made cooking. When I came across a recipe for elderberry syrup made in the IP, I had to try it. I wasn’t disappointed!
Continue reading “Wildcrafted: Elderberry Syrup – In The IP!”
A couple of months ago, I discovered that a tree in the pig pasture had tiny fruit on it. Yes, the fruit was only about the size of grapes, rock hard, and sour to boot, but I had to look the tree up to find out if the fruit was edible…and, indeed, it was!