The Lovable Enigma of Cherry Plums
In the late summer turning to autumn, our woodland orchards bursts into life with the bounty of cherry plums - a gift from our much-loved Prunus cerasifera trees. These small, juicy fruits, as irresistible to us as they are to our kids, Ronia and Bear, embody the seasonal shift in all its generosity.
Creamy Chantarelle Pasta
Featuring freshly foraged chantarelles, our creamy pasta is a delightful fusion of woodland bounty and homey comfort food. This dish shines with versatility, easily accommodating vegan dietary needs or even the inclusion of stored ramson leaves for added depth of flavor.
The Secretive Art of Chantarelle Picking
Dive into the hushed rhythm of the forest as we unveil the mysteries of mushroom picking, specifically the golden treasure - chantarelles. Our post illuminates the unwritten rules of this secretive pursuit, elucidates the tradition of leaving some fungi behind, and shares a glimpse into how Bear and Ronia learnt to identify these bright, uniquely shaped delights.
The Harvesting and Drying of Our Homegrown Herbs
From the first snip of garden shears to the last aromatic sip of tea, join us as we walk you through our herb harvesting journey. Experience the vibrancy of mints, lemon balm, thyme, and oregano at the peak of their readiness, and learn the delicate art of drying that not only preserves their essence but also enhances their flavor. As these herbs sway from our chandelier, they fill our home with fragrant whispers of the summer that's been, and the cozy autumn meals that lie ahead
Recap: From Sunlit Nights to Autumn Lights. A Seasonal Shift from Summer.
We revisit the glorious highlights of the summer season, from the grandeur of Scandinavian light nights to the enchanting dance of summer blooms. As the sun sets on the light nights, signaling the gradual approach of autumn, we reflect upon the beauty we've witnessed and the memories we've cultivated. Don't miss this evocative recap post, as we bid farewell to summer and welcome the muted, earthy tones of fall with open arms.
Homemade Mini Peppermint Patties
Experience the delight of crafting your own candies with our rustic mini and micro peppermint patties. Infused with homemade peppermint oil, these sweets provide a uniquely satisfying experience, as each bite is a testament to the labor of love that went into their creation. From forming your sugar-peppermint dough to coating each piece with tempered chocolate, embrace the joy of making treats straight from the garden to your table.
The Unpluckable Poppy
Dancing with the wind and painting our landscape with their vibrant red hues, poppies are a captivating sight in our garden. Their ephemeral beauty, unholdable in a conventional sense, and their role as tiny teachers of nature's whimsy, make them a treasured part of our surroundings. Whether scattered across baked goods or sown in our garden, poppy seeds carry with them an irresistible charm.
Thistles: A Buzzing Hub of Wildlife Activity
In the heart of the wild, the prickly thistle stands tall, its vibrant purple bloom a beacon of nourishment for tiny critters and bugs. It's a sight more common to spot these thorny towers graced with buzzing bees and resting butterflies, a testament to their crucial role in our vibrant ecosystem. Amid the thistle's spikes, a tiny world thrives, reflecting the remarkable interconnectedness of nature.
Mint Oil and Floral Water Extraction
Embarking on this mint distillation adventure isn't just about crafting your own homemade treats - it's an immersive sensory journey. Picture this: the rich, intoxicating scent of mint wafting through every room, wrapping your home in a vibrant aroma so potent it's as if the very walls are exuding freshness. This isn't just about scent; it's about an experience that's minty beyond belief
Wild Raspberry Jam
Embrace the simple pleasure of homemade raspberry jam with our delightfully uncomplicated recipe. Made with just raspberries and sugar, our slightly runny jam captures the pure essence of summer berries. Enjoy it hot and fresh over buttered buns, or add a dollop to pies, cakes, or ice cream. A luscious and versatile treat that will surely brighten your day!
Crafting Raspberry Cordial - Two Ways: A Simple Soda Syrup & A Gentle, Cooked Beverage
Dive into the essence of summer with our two variations of raspberry cordial. One is a simple soda syrup, capturing the pureness of fresh raspberries, and the other, a lightly cooked cordial that embodies the gentle complexity of the berries. Delight in the timeless raspberry soda made from our overnight-macerated syrup or evoke 'Anne of Green Gables' with a cordial crafted from a lightly simmered mixture. Savor the simple pleasures of the season, just as Anne would.
Wild Blueberry Muffins
In our homestead, baking blueberry muffins is more of a joyful dance in the kitchen than following a strict recipe. Inspired by a surprise visit from some French travellers, we're sharing our recipe with you. The freshly picked blueberries, a handful of nuts, perhaps a dash of caramel - all are added until the mix just feels right. The end result? Delicious, warm muffins that are a bit of a delightful mess to extract from the pan. Each one is a unique, flavorful joy just waiting to be savored.
The Changing Seasons: A Raspberry Tale
Embrace the changing seasons with wild raspberry foraging, and savor the fleeting sweetness of these delicate fruits. Journey with us as we transform our fresh harvest into aromatic cordials and jams.
Mastering the Blåbärplockar for Blueberry Harvests
Venture into the wild with us, where we arm ourselves with traditional Swedish Blåbärplockar and bring home a bounty of delicious blueberries! Discover the art of efficient berry picking and the joy of family time spent sorting through our haul!
Rooted in Comfort: Our Outdoor Teak Furniture
Amidst our lush garden, gnarled pieces of teak furniture tell their story of time and nature. Weathering beautifully like driftwood, they've turned from a honey hue to a whiteish bone, hosting a myriad of tiny critters and creeping moss. Our guests often wonder if they sprouted straight from the woodland floor. These ever-evolving pieces bear the marks of love, play, and the passage of time, turning them into living pieces of our cottage story
Embracing Solitude: A Date With Nature
Picture a serene lake, reflecting the world like a mirror. As the golden hour sets in, the setting sun casts long shadows, painting a tranquil landscape. Such moments of solitude are a balm for the weary soul.
The Resilient Verbascum Thapsus, or 'King's Light
Take a stroll with us into the world of Verbascum thapsus, also known as the 'King's Light.' This plant not only provides a beacon during winter processions but also has a place in folklore, medicinal uses, and even ancient toilet habits! A gentle caution though, its soft leaves might not be as delicate as they appear.
Strawberry Preserve Topping for Vanilla Ice Cream
Dive into the delightful flavor of summer with our homemade strawberry preserve swirled into creamy vanilla ice cream! This easy, nostalgia-filled recipe is a trip down memory lane - a taste of childhood summers and grandma's loving kitchen.
Dark Cherry Delight: Unveiling the Shadow Morello
From our hefty Morello cherry trees hang clusters of inky cherries, ripe and ready for juicing. With flavors reminiscent of the Nordic Stevnskirsebær or Italian amarene cherries, these Morellos make a sweet, potent juice that's perfect for a cozy bedtime drink. And the process? It's as simple as grind, strain, and sip. But beware, its deep, dramatic color can be deceiving - it's a deliciously fresh drink with a secret sleep-inducing benefit
Raw Strawberry Soda Pop
Discover the joy of homemade strawberry soda pop, created with raw, homegrown strawberries and nothing else. Bright and flavorful, this soda is prepared using a novel method - macerating strawberries with sugar, and then straining the syrupy result. The pectin that can impact texture in cooked strawberry sodas is sidestepped here, leaving you with a vibrant, zesty beverage. Even more delightful is the magic behind serving this treat from our whimsical 'soda tree,' a hidden delight in our woodland garden. It’s a bottle of pure, fizzy joy that's sure to impress visitors of all ages!
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