Wild Food – Ramps. What’s a Ramp?

June 1, 2013October 13, 2013 ~ jeannemeeks ~ 3 Comments

In early April the woods behind my house look dead and hopeless. I wait for the day when a patch of brave lime-green leaves poke through the damp forest floor to signal life amid the ugliness. I thought perhaps they were a non-flowering variety of lily-of-the-valley until a fellow hiker on Manitou Island pointed out … Continue reading Wild Food – Ramps. What’s a Ramp?

Getting Wild with Asparagus

May 25, 2013October 13, 2013 ~ jeannemeeks ~ 2 Comments

I love that Mother Nature provides us with food: ripe, fresh, and free. On my walk today I spotted a stalk of asparagus in an open field. Usually, I go asparagus hunting just after Mother's Day here in Illinois, but I didn't get it done this year. I was thrilled that I wasn't too late. … Continue reading Getting Wild with Asparagus

Dutch Oven Recipe

September 28, 2011May 23, 2013 ~ jeannemeeks ~ 1 Comment

Fall is my favorite time of year––summer hangs on, but winter whispers in my ear. Maple trees turn neon yellow and orange, oaks a deep red. Last Saturday was one such gorgeous autumn day in central Illinois. We piled into the SUV with my grandson and headed for Champaign, IL. Our first stop was the Paxton … Continue reading Dutch Oven Recipe