The Forager Newsletter: Festive Foraging, Recycling nature, Christmas cocktails and green resolutions for the new year...
Think foraging is only a summer activity, think again. Nature provides all year round. Supermarkets have gotten so used of stocking the shelves with year round products that it is making us lazy consumers and disconnecting from the natural rhythm of the seasons. This abundance is unsustainable and really has a negative effect when it comes to appreciating the seasonal cultivation of many crops. It also promotes a culture of excess and inevitably leads to more waste at home. For our overall well-being we need to start embracing the seasons and learning how to live without some items in our cupboards. Enough with the lecture Lisa, just get on with the foraging tips and recipes. I hear ya!
In this months newsletter we will have a little festive fun with nature.
Foraging for Decorations
Creating a homemade Christmas Wreath from the Woods
3 Wild Christmas dinner sides
Christmas Cocktail - Taste of the Trees
Eco-friendly new years resolutions
Foraging for Christmas Decorations in Nature - A Festive Guide to Christmas Decorations with Local Plants
If you want to make your table setting extra special this year add a touch of something wild. I don’t know about you but we are certainly feeling the pinch with the cost of living sky rocketing here in Ireland. This is when spending time in nature can come in pretty handy. I love to keep a little nature close by all year with dimly lit branches and dried flowers but Christmas is extra special and a time when you can add a touch of green to everything.
I’ve put together a list of outdoor Christmas plants that can easily be found and used to brighten your home for the coming holidays.
First things first, start with what you already have. If you have a Christmas tree (big or small) then you can take snippets of branches to use as part of your table setting. Voila! Here's a few of my favourites to pick up as you walk through the local park or forest.
1. Mistletoe
Kissing under the Mistletoe became a popular tradition in the 1700’s. It is perfectly acceptable to hang mistletoe throughout your home at Christmas time. Typically found growing on deciduous trees, mistletoe's distinctive green leaves and white berries add a touch of enchantment. Harvest it responsibly, leaving enough for the plant to thrive, and create kissing spots or whimsical door decorations. Did you know that in France they often give Mistletoe as a New Years gift for luck.
2. Holly
Holly, with its glossy green leaves and vibrant red berries, is a quintessential Christmas symbol. While foraging, be cautious of the prickly leaves and opt for varieties like American holly that are easier to handle. Holly is the perfect addition to homemade wreaths, garlands, or adornments for your mantle place. I always have a sprig or two on the top of our grandmother’s piano. It has become a little tradition all on its own.
3. Evergreens
Fir greens are naturally associated with Christmas time and you will find an evergreen spot in most forests. The beauty of evergreen trees lasts all year, making them a perfect choice for Christmas decor. Pine, spruce, and fir branches can be gathered to create lush and aromatic wreaths, swags, or table centerpieces. The vibrant greenery provides a classic backdrop for other festive elements.
4. Cedar or Juniper
Cedar and juniper branches add a fragrant and rustic charm to your holiday decorations. Combine them with other evergreens to create unique arrangements or use them on their own for a distinctive and aromatic touch. The rich green color and unique textures make them stand out in wreaths and bouquets. Remember Juniper berries make a delicious addition to cocktails and are packed with some much needed Vitamin C.
5. Winterberry
Winterberry, with its bright red berries, adds a burst of color to winter landscapes. Harvest branches of winterberry to create eye-catching focal points in wreaths or vases. The vibrant red berries evoke a sense of warmth and joy. Winter berries are edible but don’t confuse them with Holly berries. They are also a vital source of food for birds and animals so don’t be greedy if you are foraging these little guys.
6. Rosehips
I won’t dive into Rosehips too much because we did that last month but the fruits of the wild rose bushes offer a unique and elegant element to your Christmas decorations. Their reddish-orange hues and distinctive shapes make them an excellent addition to wreaths or as accents in table centerpieces. If you are looking for that old world charm with a touch of elegance than a sprig or two of rosehips will do the trick.
7. Pine Cones
Pine cones, nature's own ornaments, are versatile and readily available. Gather them during your foraging adventures and incorporate them into wreaths, garlands, or as standalone decorations. Consider painting or gilding them for a personalized and festive touch. You can also spray them with glitter.
Remember to respect nature and the environment. Harvest responsibly, taking only what you need, and be mindful of the ecosystems around you. Foraging for decorations can be so much fun. Grab a basket, collect your treats and enjoy the process of creating beautiful decorations that reflect the magic of the season.
3 Wild Christmas Dinner Sides
We are always experimenting with wild produce in the kitchen and Christmas dinner side dishes are a fun way to use some of your favourite winter greens.
Roasted Pine & Garlic Croquettes
Roasties and Christmas dinner go hand in hand. In Ireland we have every kind of potato imaginable on the plate. From mash to roasties to boiled to everything in between but by far my favourite are the fluffy potato croquettes. This delicious side dish takes a little bit of extra prep but it is worth every minute. Why not give roast potatoes on a bed of pine or spruce needles a try. This is an easy recipe that has all the smells of the holiday season and the tastes of the forest.
Ingredients: Potatoes, Freshly cut Pine tips, Breadcrumbs, 1 Egg, Flour, Oil, Butter and Sea Salt
Instructions: Wash and Par boil your chopped up potato squares. Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees. Melt two large spoons of butter in a pan and toss your potatoes into the pan. Lay your pine needles onto the tray. Cover the whole tray if you can. Now carefully place your boiled, buttery potatoes on top. Sprinkle salt and drizzle oil over the top. Enjoy!
Wild Winter Greens
Christmas dinner can often be heavy with stunning, potatoes and all of those carb filled treats. For a light, refreshing side try a wild green salad.
Ingredients: Ground Ivy leaves, Seabeat, Sloe Berries, Hairy Bittercress, Sorrel, Gorse Flowers, Dandelion leaves, dandelion roots, lemon and olive oil.
Instructions: Collect your edible winter greens fresh from the land around you. Wash the ground ivy leaves, bittercress, sorrel and dandelion leaves carefully. To prepare the dandelion roots scrub off the dirt and slice into small cubes. Oven bake the roots for 15 minutes. Remove all thorns from your gorse and only use the bright yellow petals. Mix your leaves together, sprinkle the berries, roasted roots and flowers. Add a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pickled Sea Radish and Red Cabbage
If you live near the coast than you will be spoilt for choice with wild green edibles. Sea Radish is one of our favourites as it is available throughout the year. This simple little recipe provides a tangy taste that goes well with your less fragrant vegetables. It takes a few days to pickle so be sure to prepare this one in advance.
Ingredients: Sea Radish pods, curly dock seeds, red cabbage, peppercorns and white wine vinegar.
Instructions: Wash all of the ingredients gently under warm water. Thinly slice up a 1/4 of the red cabbage in strips. Add all of the ingredients to a large jar and cover completely with the white wine vinegar. Close the jar tight and place in the fridge. Allow the pickling to work its magic for a few days. When you have chosen your cheese and wine, take out your wild pickle mix to go with them. This is a super easy, tasty treat to have as a snack at Christmas time. Surprise your guests and add an extra punch of flavour to your cheese board after dinner.
You will be ready for a true festive feast with these delicious Christmas side dishes. For more wild food inspiration you can find more recipes here.
A Taste of the Trees - Pine Needle Cocktail
The trick with all foraged cocktails is to infuse the alcohol. So for this easy mix you will need to collect your fir or pine needles a few days before you take your first sip. Believe me it is worth the wait.
If you are walking through the park, taking a hike in the woods or strolling by the canals in summer you will smell the sweet Elderflowers.
Elderflowers are pretty easy to forage for in Spring and Summer and hopefully you will have frozen some to use in winter treats.
Now, how do you forage for pine needles? This is an easy one. Look out for gigantic Christmas trees and you will be in luck. You only need a handful of this green giant so don’t be greedy.
These two ingredients make the perfect summer party combination; fun, easy to make and delicious.
Here is our winter pine cocktail recipe with a splash of elderflower cordial:
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons of Elderflower cordial
2 cups of pine needles
Vodka (your brand, your choice)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 lime
A spring of pine to garnish
HOW TO MAKE
Pre-prepared cordial will work if you have some stored away. If you have fresh Elderflowers at hand you can make the cordial from scratch. To do this you need to shake the heads of the Elderflowers to remove any insects, cut off any stems and place them in a large pot of water.
Allow this mixture to simmer for at 30 minutes, making sure the heads are covered with water at all times. Use a tea towel or cloth to strain the pot or flowers (you should be left with a yellow clear liquid now.
Add this flavoured water to a fresh pot, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and let it dissolve over a low heat.
Remove from the heat and let it cool in the fridge.
While this pot is bubbling away gently wash your pine needles, and cut them or pull them away from their branches. Ideally, put all of the pine needles into a small bottle of vodka and leave it infuse for 5 - 7 days. After this, take a handful of needles in a bowl and add two shots of vodka. Use a blender to whizz up these two ingredients and extract all of the pine juices. Squeeze the juice from half of a lime over the mixture.
Ready to put these pungent ingredients together? Pour the pine needle juice first, followed by half a cup of Elderflower cordial, add an extra shot of vodka for a good kick and a spring of needle to garnish.
You are ready to serve up your taste of the trees :)
I am always experimenting with nature and food. If you would like to share some ideas to try out I am all ears!
Eco-Friendly New Years Resolutions that you can easily embrace in 2024
As we usher in a new year, there is no better time to make a commitment to living more sustainably and thinking about our impact on the environment. It is so hard to be mindful every step of the journey today as commerce has forced us into negative consumer behaviors. However, we can take small steps towards a greener home. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes a healthier and more mindful way of living. Here are some practical and achievable ways to embrace sustainability in the new year.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Start by revisiting the basics of waste management. Set up a recycling station in your home for paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclables. Opt for products with minimal packaging, and when possible, choose reusable items over disposable ones. Embracing the mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" helps minimize the environmental impact of our daily lives.
Conserve Energy
Save energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs and appliances. Unplug chargers and devices that are not in use to eliminate "phantom" energy consumption. Investing in a programmable thermostat can also help optimize energy usage and reduce utility bills.
Water Conservation
Conserve water by fixing leaks promptly, installing low-flow faucets and showerheads, and being mindful of water usage in daily activities. Collect rainwater for watering plants, and consider landscaping with drought-resistant plants to minimize the need for excessive watering.
Green Cleaning
Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. This not only reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals but also minimizes the environmental impact of conventional cleaning products.
Mindful Shopping
This is one of our favourites of course as we strive for more transparency when it comes to food supplies and also call for more seasonal eating. Next year why not make informed choices when shopping for groceries and household items. Choose locally sourced, organic products to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider purchasing in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and bring reusable bags to eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags.
Upcycling and Repurposing
You already know that I am a big fan of upcycling. In fact all foragers are really because the plants we forage for have more than likely been used by the animal kingdom before us. For 2024, get creative with re-purposing items instead of discarding them. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. Old furniture, containers, and clothing can find new life with a bit of creativity and DIY spirit.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for sustainable transportation options. Consider carpooling, biking, walking, or using public transportation whenever possible. If feasible, explore the possibility of transitioning to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Composting
Start a composting system for kitchen scraps and organic waste. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It's a simple yet impactful way to close the loop on organic waste.
Educate and Advocate
Should we all start a substack? Probably not because it takes up a lot of time but we can support eachother. Please feel free to share any tips, ideas or projects with me and I will help to spread the word if I can. Share your sustainable practices with friends and family to inspire collective action. Stay informed about environmental issues and support initiatives that promote sustainability in your community. Small individual changes can contribute to a larger, positive impact when multiplied across a community.
As we embrace 2024, let's make a commitment to protect our planet and create a better future for generations to come.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! For 2024 I wish for peace and love for everybody. There is no room for hate in this fragile world. We only get one shot at this crazy little thing called life so let’s envision a brighter future together and leave a positive mark on the world as we glide though it as gently as we can.