Cosmos. Chamomile,
and our very own Chanterelles.
Cosmos.
Cosmos are part of the Sunflower family. Oooh Sunflowers,…I sigh, dreamily (If you have not read my first story on Sunflowers, You can read it here below.
The Cosmos, they started to bloom in our garden early August, since then…, they have multiplied in numbers and heights, I have been harvesting the colourful buds as well as the already bloomed flowers to stimulate the growth of more of those stunning (late for us in Finland) Summer flowers, stretching as much as I can that ephemeral window of blooming Cosmos in September. Weather has been so far way too warm to my taste. I was born in the heart of Summer, late July … surely I should have been ecstatic with torrid Weather, scorching temperatures, and never-ending cloudless skies… But no, for some unknown reason, as far as I can remember, I was delighted whenever dark heavy clouds would slide silently above us … I was thrilled to hear the rumbling afar, followed by gushes of strong Winds, then the Rain. Nowadays I come to life in those early morning hours, when the light is soft, gentle, everyone is asleep, and creativity flows. As I write those lines, the Weather is so still, no winds actually, completely flat calm, and 26°C. For early September it is simply not right. Looking very much forward to chillier days… but in the meantime I am going to enjoy chasing the really early morning light. Also, it looks like it is right about time to harvest my Chamomile.
Chamomille.
Dried Chamomile in the Sun room.
At the heights of launching my book, Clouds Navigate, back in December 2021, I had trouble falling asleep. I would lay for hours riding the waves of excitement and fear, the rush of ideas, the planning, the finances etc… my mind would not stop. I needed help, after reading extensively on the matter, I knew I wanted to try something natural, other than melatonin. Chamomile was recommended to me the most, also adaptogen drinks. Since then it has become an evening ritual for me to unwind. Last Winter I have been adding some Reishi tincture, every evening I look very much forward to a warm (super big) cup of soothing Chamomile, and Reishi, together with this I often get lost in a book.
Chanterelles
Several meters away from our Forest, there is a mossy patch surrounded by a half moon shaped row of Lilacs. Last year we have had an especially rainy August month… And for the first time, Chanterelles appeared! I was so thrilled when my husband reported this to me. I looked very much forward to see them growing this last two weeks. We havn´t had the time yet to investigate at our cottage and in the forest of the nearby island. Will report back later this Autumn most certainly. Oh and we also have Ceps (Cèpes, Bolete) in English they are Penny Bun. They are super delicious, rich in fibre and antioxidants. I love to cook them with garlic and serve with an omelette, and thin slices of provolone "piccante”! For cooler mornings, such a favourite of mine!! Tell me, What are your favourite mushrooms? And what are you looking forward to this Autumn?
Here are our Ceps, from last Autumn.
Back to Chanterelles…
Sizzling above with garlic, salt and pepper. After about 10 minutes on low heat,I let it cool down. Once cold I store it in a glass jar and in the fridge, and I will pack it with us tomorrow (yesterday for us) to go to our cottage. My favourite way to eat it is on a piece of sourdough bread. We bought some shredded cheese, to make this even more delicious I will add some on top and place it in the oven on Fan& grill 180° C for 5 minutes.
Let me know if you try this out !!
Thank you for reading &
I wish everyone a cosy weekend wherever you are,
take care,
n.