FOOD FROM THE YARD

Each time lately, when I have had a few minutes to "walk the property", I have said to myself, I said "Self, there is nice, fresh food out here. Self, you need to remember what is out here to add to the limited stocks of aging food that are inside." And then, of course, by the time I am inside, and divest Self of wraps, packs, travel cups, and cane, Self has forgotten what is there. Today, Self was wise. Self made a list on the Phone of All Duties. And then copied the list onto the food supply white board, so:

Sorrel

Bloody dock

Big mallow

Chickweed

Peppergrass

Swiss chard

Radish leaves

Kale

Chives

Garlic chives

Osoberry leaves

Salad burnet

Elephant garlic

I then asked Doug to cut up an onion, and sautee it in olive oil, because very many satisfying meals start out that way. Meanwhile, I went back outside with a large bowl and scissors. I thought about which leaves were more robust, and could hold their own in a soup. I had just barely enough light to harvest them, and remove sad leaves. I came back in with sorrel, bloody dock, large mallow, swiss chard, radish leaves, and kale. I gave them to Doug, who washed them and cut them up fairly small. They were added to the pot of sauteed onions for a few minutes of light sauteing, and then two cups of beef broth were added. Two baked potatoes were also cut up small and added. This was then brought to a boil for a few minutes, to cook the leaves. The temperature was turned down and one and one half cups of half & half were added, just long enough to heat. Served with a slice of toast with extra sharp white cheddar cheese on it, we both gobbled it down, num.