'Foraging Fun'

Tuesday 11 September 2018

Laughter and chat filled Ruskie Hall for the first meeting of the new session. President Anne Artis gave a warm welcome to all.

There was an excellent turnout to hear Claire Bird of Stirling Council give an excellent presentation entitled 'Foraging is Fun'. Claire told us of the delights that are in our countryside and seashore. She gave the ladies lots of different ideas and her passion was obvious as she took us on her foraging journey which started on walks with her family as a child. Wild raspberries, strawberries and brambles are plentiful at this time of year and Claire suggested as well as using them for jam-making or in puddings, they can provide interesting variations of taste in alcohol. Rowanberries make excellent jellies, elderberries, as well as making an attractive vinegar, can be used to make a variant of champagne, using the natural yeasts from the flowers for fermentation.
Claire suggested seaweeds which can be incorporated into oatcakes. To these, can be added sea beet and sea truffles, as well as shellfish such as razor clams, cockles, mussels, and crabs.
Claire brought with her a wide range of examples of her own foraging, which she offered to members to taste, these were enthusiastically received.

A delicious supper was provided by Catriona Burnett, Janice Milne and Heather Millar

A great start to the new session

Competitions:
Wooden object: 1st Eleanor Muir 2nd Sheenagh Beaton 3rd Christine Bauer

Food/drink containing brambles: 1st Eleanor Muir 2nd Sheena Gibson 3rd Allison McLeod