A short while ago Mum took me on one of our favourite walks along the Leeds - Liverpool canal. The tow path has been closed for a while, so we hadn't been there for sometime.
This is where Mum likes to pick wild garlic (ramsons) It grows in semi shaded moist conditions often in wooded areas. The season is usually April - mid May, so we were really surprised when we caught the instantly recognisable smell in June! I guess the terrible spring weather has made everything late!
Yep Mum; that's definitely Wild Garlic!
Being a responsible owner, Mum always has several poo bags (in my case, pedal bin liners...) about her person, so we stopped and picked some. This attracted several odd looks from other walkers as Mum appeared to be bending down in a patch of nettles!
With this year's crop Mum decided to make a simple Wild Garlic sauce for pasta.
The Wild Garlic leaf. Looks quite like Lily of the Valley.
The garlic needs washing thoroughly before use. Many recipes say this isn't necessary....but there are a lot of dogs along that tow path.......just sayin'!
Wild Garlic is a bit like spinach, in that it seems to break down to very little once it is cooked. Mum used about 50 leaves to make a sauce for 2 people!
Once the spinach is washed, blanch for 3 minutes in boiling water and then drain. Place it in a food processor and blitz until you have a smooth bright green sauce. Add a glug of olive oil, 1 tbs of lemon juice, a sprinking of zest and salt to taste.
Wild Garlic pasta sauce ready to go!
Mum used Fiorelli, but it works well with most pasta. Good for our vegetarian friends too!
While we are on the subject of food, I feel I should share something for all my doggy pals out there. I best just say that if your hooman is with you and if they are eating or not feeling so good, you might want to skip this.....
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My latest find!! Raw green lamb tripe........or possibly it is an alien. For those of you unfamiliar with this delicacy, it is the lining of a lamb's stomach. Beef tripe is more common and usually bleached white for human consumption. I should point out that this was purchased at a butcher's counter for people..... nice!
So, if ever proof was needed that my Mum adores me, this is it. She said that initially it smelt like a cross between horse poo and rotting eggs......but now that it has been in the fridge for two days (airtight lead lined box required...should it attempt to escape) there is a definite hint of rotting fish there too. Needless to say, I LOVE it!
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Finally I would like to pay tribute to Blueberry, sister of Bunny over at Tales and Tails As many of you will already know, Blue passed away yesterday; yet another victim of the dreadful Osteosarcoma. She didn't suffer for long; having started limping intermittently only two weeks ago.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Carrie, Bunny and all the family, who have lost their very special girl. Mum had a real soft spot for Blue (and her mum, Lilac before her) and she wasn't the only one. Blueberry will be missed all over the world.....which says a lot about what a special dog she was.
Blueberry. RIP.
Run Fast Run Free Beautiful Blue.
Lily Belle · 614 weeks ago
We are very sad to hear about your furend Blueberry! We will go over there now to some some love.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
madsnapper · 614 weeks ago
Goose · 614 weeks ago
I too am very sad to have learned of Blueberry going to the Bridge. She was such a jokester. She will be missed.
Blessings,
Goose
Dip Bridge & Elliot · 614 weeks ago
The Leeds and Liverpool canal is such a beautiful place, Mum and Dad would like a canal boat holiday some day.
Our deepest sympathy to Blueberry's mum.
Dip Bridge and Elliot x
Duncan · 614 weeks ago
Frankie and Ernie · 614 weeks ago
that pasta is GORGEOUS... Love the Color the Wild Garlic gave it... and the Shape of the pasta was perfect.
We have seen tripe in MEAT SHOPS here... butt not often. From your description of its AROMA.. it must be DELIGHTFUL... YES, your mum really did show how much she loves you by bringing that home fur you.
houndstooth4 82p · 614 weeks ago
susieandsidebite 20p · 614 weeks ago
So sorry to hear about you furpal Blueberry, but she is in a good place back to running around with fureinds and waiting for us all to come and join her!
The Mad Scots
Patty · 614 weeks ago
We are sad about Blueberry here, too.
Amber DaWeenie · 614 weeks ago
So sorry to hear about Blue.
whatremainsnow 59p · 614 weeks ago
I am broken-hearted over the loss of Blue. Of course, she's probably dining on lamb tripe and wishing we weren't all sad. She's with her momma and knows we loved her so.
Bouncing Bertie · 614 weeks ago
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
PS I guess the wild garlic stuff looks nice too. Or so Gail seems to think.
wallaceandsamuel 39p · 614 weeks ago
RIP Blueberry - run free and be happy
Wally & Sammy
Sue · 614 weeks ago
The lambs thingy....yuck and did i say yuck:)
We were also saddened at Blue's passing. She was a very special girl who enriched not only her family but those of us lucky to know her through Carrie's blog.
houndstooth4 82p · 614 weeks ago
Thank you so very much for your kind words about Blue! It's hard to believe she's gone. It was very unexpected for all of us!
Bunny
chicamom85 44p · 614 weeks ago
That stuff looks pretty gross Declan. I have never eaten anything like that. Mommy wants to know if there is an animal "Hannibal Lecter" that is supplying you with those. If so please be careful and watch your back. The garlic thing looks yummy.
Loveys Sasha
Hazel · 614 weeks ago
I enjoyed reading about the wild garlic and the sheep stomach. Declan, are you sure that you're going to get any more kisses if you eat that foul smelling tripe?
Tell Mom Sue that you love her!
Beckett · 614 weeks ago
Mason · 614 weeks ago
Mason
Sammy Sam · 614 weeks ago
Casey the Boxer · 614 weeks ago
I just heard the news about Blueberry, and I'm so very sad to hear it. :(
Kathy · 614 weeks ago
Greyhounds CAN Sit · 614 weeks ago
Hugs to you all ... and Blueberry xxxx
sue taylor · 614 weeks ago
Good to see your being well catered for as always Deccy xx
katz tales · 613 weeks ago