Each new year my family and I appreciate the way spring announces her arrival by the sweet violets that seemingly pop up overnight as if by magic. The fairies have been playing in the woods, in the unturned soil of the vegetable patch and under the trees in the shaded spots of the yard.
In their play they have created for us wild foods that will nourish and bring magic to our bellies!
My own three little fairies are the ones who spotted the treasures of violets first in our new yard. The violets were lining the floor of their new found "house" in a wooded patch behind the vegetable garden. "Mama! Mama! We found violets!" They remember year after year this much enjoyed spring time ritual of collecting and eating wild foods and knew this find would bring a big smile to my face. Into the house we ran to collect our gathering baskets!
With much excitement this wee fairy gathered two hands full! These violets went into a vase, set aside in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. We will garnish our salad greens with violets, candy them for a fairy cake with tea, and later I will share another edible arrangement they will join!
.: Appreciating the sweet smell of freshly gathered violets! :.
Back into the house we go to set the newly gathered violets into a bowl full with water mixing them around a bit and letting them sit for a bit longer. All of the dirt or sand should fall to the bottom of the bowl.
Next we placed our violets into full ice-cube trays. Then setting them into the freezer to freeze.
.: Violets frozen in ice waiting to be added to our spring drinks! :.
Our violets on ice will create both beauty and health when added to our favorite homemade spring drink! My next post will share my three little fairies mixing up that favored spring and summer drink!
May this new season bring health and magic to you and your little fairies while gathering wild foods!
