26Aug 2023 by catbird
Autumn Acorns

Autumn Acorns

Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Folklore, Nature Collection, Recipes
Acorns and oaks are steeped in folklore just about everywhere they grow. There is something old and wise about them. They were (and still are) a food source for Indigenous Americans and were eaten in in the past in Europe as well. They require some prep work, but I love their warm roasted flavor. A number of magical qualities and superstitions are attributed to the acorn. The symbolize good luck, abundance, protection and long life. My favorite bit of folklore is that the acorn symbolizes huge potential in small things and reminds us to be patient. There are 500 species of oak in the world and their acorns (which are their seeds!) all look a little different. I am personally partial to burr oaks for their lovely shaggy caps. Acorns…
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07Dec 2022 by catbird
Pine Needle Tea

Pine Needle Tea

Campfire, Folklore, Foraging, Recipes, Winter, Winter Solstice
Pine needle tea is a fun and easy winter beverage hat is is oh so wintery! Its a fantastic source of nutrients, particularly vitamin C, which was used to supplement people's diets in the days before you could go to the store and buy a bag of oranges without a thought. Allegedly, Frenchman Jacques Cartier and his crew were cured of scurvy by an Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) tribe in 1543 and they wrote an account of it. All edible species of pine contain vitamin C-- purportedly have three to five times more than an orange, depending on what source you read. Vitamin C is an immune booster (and a cure for scurvy!) Pine needles also contain vitamin A which improves red blood cell production. Pine needle tea can also soothe sore…
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28Oct 2022 by catbird
Risgrøt: A Yule Tradition That Warms the Soul– Guest Blogger!

Risgrøt: A Yule Tradition That Warms the Soul– Guest Blogger!

Folklore, Recipes, Winter, Winter Solstice
A huge thank you to Jenn Campus for today's guest post!! Check out her beautiful site Old Ways for Modern Days and her IG feed here. She is sharing her recipe for Risgrøt with us-- take it away Jenn! Ah, Risgrøt – creamy, comforting, and wonderfully traditional! This Norwegian rice porridge has become a staple in our family's Yule celebrations ever since my first snowy winter in Norway. Back then, as an exchange student, I had no idea this dish would burrow its way into my heart (and stomach), becoming a must-have every year when the days are shortest. Whether you're in for some ancestral vibes or simply craving something hearty with a hint of sweetness, this recipe will surely please. A Little History About Risgrøt Risgrøt is a dish with deep roots…
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