Mushroom Hunting

If you recognize the object in the picture above then you are one lucky individual. Whether you have been able to eat, or had the opportunity to hunt for these little beauties you have had a great chance to see what nature has to provide. Morel mushrooms are considered by many to be one of the best tasting foraging treasures. Thus making spring time a golden opportunity to enjoy nature and the ability to foraging and the chance to enjoy comfort food.

While many of the goodies found in Illinois in spring are greens perfect for making salads the morel mushroom makes its appearance for just a little while. Prepared with a great taste as my mama once did rolled in saltine cracker crumbs and sauteed in butter. Perhaps the one consideration that must be taken seriously are the many toxic plants that may appear to be morels. However you can learn to I.D. morels with just a few simple tips. 

Morel mushrooms begin to pop up when daytime temps reach around 60 degree and night time temps are still around the 40s. Often found among the timber line in trees Morels are often found by those out hiking.  I can recall heading out to the timbers near my grand-fathers farm for a day of mushroom hunting.     

Here's to hoping you are able to find lots of tasty morels.                Happy Hunting !!!

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Strawberry Oatmeal Bars #recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oat
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup strawberry Jam

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix everything together but the jam. Measure out 2 cups of this mixture. Leave the rest in the bowl and set aside. Take the 2 cups of the mixture and press it into the bottom of an 8 inches square pan, coated with cooking spray. Using a large spoon, distribute jam on top of the mixture in the pan. Spread it evenly all over. Take the remaining mixture and spread it over the jam. Press down lightly. Bake 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

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Easter Treat---- Recipe full of Sweet Candy

Easter Bird Nest

•1 cup chocolate chips
•1/2 cup peanut butter chips
•1 tablespoon shortening
•1 1/2 cups chow mein noodles
•Jelly beans

Prepare a tray by lining it with waxed paper. In a microwave safe bowl combine chocolate chips and peanut butter chips and the shortening. Stir well. Microwave for 30 seconds. Again mix well. Now add the chow mein noodles and stir well to coat them completely. Drop by heaping tablespoons on to the waxed paper lined tray. Gently press down with the spoon to form a small well
for nests. Place mini jelly beans candy in the nest while the chocolate is still warm so that they will stick.

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