Every June I look forward to making elderflower champagne, but this year constant rain has washed away the elderflower pollen, with its natural yeasts and fragrance. If there’s no scent, I don’t bother. Fortunately, milkweed stands up to our wet weather, and the color, scent, and flavor of this milkweed flower cordial are outstanding, rain or shine!
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When a plant name includes the word “weed,” it’s hard for some people to think of it as anything but an unwelcome visitor in the garden. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is, indeed, a roadside weed. But baby, it’s so much more. Read more
I will never waste your time with garnish.
Yes, garnish is pretty, but if it doesn’t contribute something more, like flavor, scent, or surprise, it’s not worth my time. Or yours. Read more
Here’s a milkweed flower cocktail recipe (and a little plant geekery) from my new book: The Wildcrafted Cocktail.
For years common milkweed has been dismissed as a weed rather than appreciated for its many virtues. Read more
Most people think of flowers as the mere precursors to fruit, not to be celebrated except for their beauty and scent.
Not true! Read more
You know how mothers aren’t supposed to have favorite children? (But we know they do, right, Mum?) Fortunately the same rules don’t apply to foragers. I’m often asked what my favorite wild edible plant is, and I don’t hesitate to answer: Read more
