It was 50 degrees, so I went foraging and came home with this.
Okay, in actuality, I went to the backyard and did a little cleanup. I don’t even know where I can go foraging, even though the thought is very appealing. I would love to forage, for instance, on some beachy location, where preferably some beach plums are growing, and there is no poison ivy anywhere near.
But alas, the backyard is the only option available for me. I love going to the wild corner of the yard where some plants are ignoring winter and still actively growing right now. Mostly it’s inhabited by weeds, but a few vegetables and herbs have taken up residence there, too. Which was an absolute delight to find.
I think I squealed when I saw them. Good thing I was in my own yard, and alone.
Anyway, most of them will probably go into the salad bowl or the soup pot. But what to do with the sunchoke aka Jerusalem Artichoke?
Even though I know it’s been growing in the backyard for a few years now, I’ve never thought about eating it. I’m intimidated by it. Its nickname scares me. It’s also called “fartichoke” by some people. Supposedly it makes your stomach rumble. Has anybody experienced fartichoke?
Now It’s Features Time!
“No Christmas is complete without the impressive Yule Log! Okay, it’s not part of my family’s tradition, but I’ve always wanted to pretend it is. Dare I attempt to make one this year? Hmm….” — Angie
“A wonderful new take on French dip sandwiches. I am drooling!” — Diann
“Florentines are one of my favorites, easily in the top three of my most favorite cookies. That’s saying a lot since I have so many favorite cookies. I love this vegan version from Laurena. Now I know what to give to my vegan friends for Christmas!” — Angie
“For something looking so complicated, this dessert appears to cook up quickly. And, well – it has STRAWBERRIES!” — Diann
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Now, let’s party! Join Fiesta Friday #358 by adding your link(s). Don’t forget to link your post to FiestaFriday.net and the cohost’s blog so you can be featured.
Your cohost this week is Eff@Food Daydreaming
If you’re new to Fiesta Friday, please read the guidelines.
Hi, Angie; I am so envious of your backyard “foraging” bounty! I had been trying to get papalo quelite seed and sunchoke tubers for a while and I finally ordered some in the spring; I got the papalo seeds just a few weeks ago, and I am starting them indoors soon because I just can’t wait until next spring. The sunchoke tubers got stuck in the mail because of covid19-related issues, so I never got them (ugh). I am sharing #5 A recipe for vegetarian Manchamanteles (“tablecloth stainer” because of the dark and rich sauce); it calls for sunchokes (I had to use carrots and parsnips instead). Thank you for hosting another great party, I am also sharing with a Christmassy treat, #6 Toledo Style Marzipan Shapes. Have a great weekend!
Omigosh, Irene, I wish I could send you the sunchoke tubers! I have a big patch growing and it gets bigger every year because I don’t harvest it. It grows easily and aggressively, so be careful with it. Some people suggest growing it in a big tub to contain it. The flowers are pretty, though. The papalo, on the other hand, was so much fun. I found the flavor and aroma very interesting. I hope it’ll self seed itself so I won’t have to plant again. I’ll check out that recipe for Manchamanteles shortly; I have to try those sunchoke tubers at some point.
I’m also envious that your yard had something to forage. I just moved into a house whose sellers planted for looks and not food except for one brave little patch of thyme. But I look forward to next year! Maybe not with sunchokes, though.
My backyard used to be neatly organized into different areas, i.e., lawn, vegetable garden, perennial/annual beds, rose garden, etc. but now I’m slowly turning all of those spaces into edible landscaping. I mix in herbs, vegetables and edible flowers everywhere. It’s more fun that way ? Good luck with your new place!
I’m liking your backyard “foraging.” 🙂 Thanks for hosting! I brought by Caramelized Onion Squash Galette. Hope you enjoy. 🙂
It was fun pretending I was foraging ? You know I’ve been thinking about savory galette. Yours sounds terrific!
Thank you for hosting this wonderful Fiesta Angie 🙂 Ooo, Jerusalem Artichokes – scrub them well, roast with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper – eat like roast potatoes! (I might go and dig some up now)! Loving all the features (mine too thank you 😛 ) -I really must get my head on and make a yule log this year – that just looks fabulous! Hope you’re all keeping well. x
I finally tried the chokes! First raw, very tiny piece. Crunchy and a little sweet, like water chestnuts. 2 hours later, since I had no allergic reaction or anything, I peeled and chopped up 3 tubers, sautéed in olive oil and I ate about maybe 1 tuber. That was 3 hrs ago and I still don’t have any adverse reactions whatsoever, so maybe I’ll eat the rest. I still need to make a Yule log myself! I’ve seen pretty ones in some magazines, decorated with meringue mushrooms etc. Very impressive!
I love popping in here for the party. I always find such inspiring ideas and recipes. Thank you for hosting. This week I brought PORK TENDERLOIN WITH GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARS, VINEGAR CHICKEN and CHICKEN NEW ORLEANS. I hope you have a FANTASTIC week.
Thanks, Tamy! Have a fabulous week!