Naturalized daffodils are up all over our old pasture area. These have double flowers, pretty in their own way and apparently very hardy. Spring Beauty is blooming in the forest and naturalized crocuses in the lawns. The willows are turning a distinct shade of yellow as the sap rises to the tips of the trailing branches. The local Corvette owners have started taking their pampered cars out for rides when the weather is good.
Last but not least, the Findley Lake "flower du jour" is springing up - "For Sale". Not surprising, after the cold and snowy winter we are just coming off. Thoughts turn to warmer climates, not digging snow every day, and toying with selling the old homestead. It's more a knee jerk reaction than a true desire to move. By June, the horror of seemingly endless snow will have vanished, the green of the land and the blue of the lake will be soothing jangled nerves, and thoughts of selling the house will recede.
It's a good time to look at property out here. You can see the lay of the land before the underbrush, shrubbery, and tree top shadows change it's appearance. Lakeside properties have much to offer but so do those out in the more rural areas. All in all, if you are looking to purchase your home or get-away haven, checking out these "flowers" will be worth your time.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Take a Leek
It's that time of year again in Findley Lake - Leek Season. There is a certain satisfaction from hunting, harvesting, and preparing your own food. When it comes to leeks, we have ample opportunity to harvest wild leeks in northwestern NY and PA.
First, if you've never had leeks and want a quick and tasty introduction to them, try to attend the Ham & Leek Dinner, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. From Findley Lake, the easiest way to reach Spring Creek is just follow Rt. 426 south, through Corry and directly to Spring Creek. The reddish fire hall will be on your left with parking directly across the road on your right. You can't miss it as this is a popular activity. The meal is served buffet style with ham, potatoes, cooked leeks, etc. Usually there are raw leeks on all the tables for the adventuresome and cheese/leek spread for the more civilized among us. Adults 13 and up are $8, children 6 - 12 $4, and those 5 and under are free. There is always a fine array of desserts included in the meal, plus beverages.
For those looking to pick your own, it's time to head out for a drive and look into the woods for green stuff. P.S. - not everything green is a leek. Other green plants are up including skunk cabbage and day lilies. Leeks don't grow everywhere. For instance, leeks are not readily found on a drive around Findley Lake until you reach the south end of Shadyside . Look in the woods. Driving to Erie on I-86 I could see some on the road side of the fence as we drove up the first hill. Like a Pooka (see the movie "Harvey"), they appear first in that place and then in another place. Be sure you ask permission of the land owner before harvesting wild leeks. Bring a trowel and something to put your harvested leeks into. Gloves are also advisable unless you wish to smell strongly for a while. Ditto sampling your harvest in the field. A bite of raw leek used to guarantee a student being sent home from school.
Having found a patch of leeks, gotten permission to harvest, and donned your gloves, take care to take only 1/10th of what is available. Gently grasp a bunch of plants and use the trowel to pry up the clump, including the bulbs. Shake off the loose dirt and put in your bag or basket.
Once you've harvested your leeks, rinse off the dirt. Trim off the very end with the roots and discard. Cut off the next two inches, which will be mostly the white end. Wash the remaining leaves. Dry on paper towels. Slice or sliver the leaves and freeze for use in soups. Slice the white parts and freeze separately. A very easy cheese spread can be made by combining equal parts butter and grated sharp cheese with several tablespoons of the leek bulbs (white part). This will improve in taste overnight in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use.
Leeks will disappear in the next two weeks so the season is already coming to a close. I have had some success transplanting wild leeks but need to leave these patches undisturbed until they begin to spread. Good luck with your own hunt !!
First, if you've never had leeks and want a quick and tasty introduction to them, try to attend the Ham & Leek Dinner, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. From Findley Lake, the easiest way to reach Spring Creek is just follow Rt. 426 south, through Corry and directly to Spring Creek. The reddish fire hall will be on your left with parking directly across the road on your right. You can't miss it as this is a popular activity. The meal is served buffet style with ham, potatoes, cooked leeks, etc. Usually there are raw leeks on all the tables for the adventuresome and cheese/leek spread for the more civilized among us. Adults 13 and up are $8, children 6 - 12 $4, and those 5 and under are free. There is always a fine array of desserts included in the meal, plus beverages.
For those looking to pick your own, it's time to head out for a drive and look into the woods for green stuff. P.S. - not everything green is a leek. Other green plants are up including skunk cabbage and day lilies. Leeks don't grow everywhere. For instance, leeks are not readily found on a drive around Findley Lake until you reach the south end of Shadyside . Look in the woods. Driving to Erie on I-86 I could see some on the road side of the fence as we drove up the first hill. Like a Pooka (see the movie "Harvey"), they appear first in that place and then in another place. Be sure you ask permission of the land owner before harvesting wild leeks. Bring a trowel and something to put your harvested leeks into. Gloves are also advisable unless you wish to smell strongly for a while. Ditto sampling your harvest in the field. A bite of raw leek used to guarantee a student being sent home from school.
Having found a patch of leeks, gotten permission to harvest, and donned your gloves, take care to take only 1/10th of what is available. Gently grasp a bunch of plants and use the trowel to pry up the clump, including the bulbs. Shake off the loose dirt and put in your bag or basket.
Once you've harvested your leeks, rinse off the dirt. Trim off the very end with the roots and discard. Cut off the next two inches, which will be mostly the white end. Wash the remaining leaves. Dry on paper towels. Slice or sliver the leaves and freeze for use in soups. Slice the white parts and freeze separately. A very easy cheese spread can be made by combining equal parts butter and grated sharp cheese with several tablespoons of the leek bulbs (white part). This will improve in taste overnight in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use.
Leeks will disappear in the next two weeks so the season is already coming to a close. I have had some success transplanting wild leeks but need to leave these patches undisturbed until they begin to spread. Good luck with your own hunt !!
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