A Little this and that, How to preserve corn back in the day, cooking Dandelion Greens, And a few recipes you probaly won't use. by Regi

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Recently I was helping my Mom put her books away...  She has a slew of cook books.  This that I share below I typed straight from the book.   Um Kimber, that last recipe is especially for Rowan. 

 

One hundred- (many) years ago the great Kahakawkonty told how the Great Spirit appeared to a wise fore father and showed him the plant corn.  The Great Spirit told him to preserve the two ears on the plant until the next spring, and to plant the kernels.  He should preserve the whole crop and send two ears to each of the surrounding nations, with the injunction that they were not to eat any of it until their third crop.  The wise Indian did as he was commanded.  By this means the corn was distributed among all American Indians.

 

 

Corn Food Preserving-

Mrs. John Ross left these instructions. 

 

Flint corn is preferred.  Pluck the corn when soft and ready for roasting ears.  The outer husks to be taken off, leaving the inner husks.  The ears are boiled thoroughly.  The inner husks are then pulled back over the corns so as to enable it to be tied up in a bunch. These are then hung on a scaffolding and raised up on poles over a slow fire until it becomes perfectly dry and rather smoked.  It takes several days for this process. when thoroughly dry, remove and hang in dry place so as not to mold.  When needed for use, grain must be shelled and boiled over again.  Cooking will bring it out fresh and soft.    

 

Dandelion Greens

 

They can be used until they bloom.  Pick over carefully wash in salt water and rinse in several waters.  Put in boiling water with piece of slat pork.  Boil 1 hour.  Drain well, add salt and boil another two hours.   When well done and tender turn into colander and drain. 

 

 

Incantation- Facing Waning Moon

 

 

"Like the moon from day to day

Let my sorrow wear away"

 

Locust

Gather locust (cicada) at night, then pick up those out of the shell, remove shell from others.  Do not let sunshine on them or they will spoil.  Wash and then fry in a small amount of grease.  Eat hot or cold. 

 

Ground Hog

Clean a nice fat groundhog and par-boil until tender.  Remove, sprinkle all over with salt and, pepper.  Bake before fire or in oven. 

 

Opossum

Cook like Ground Hog...  BUT LET'S REMEMBER these darn critters are greasy so eat only small amount ::wink::

 

Yellow Jacket Soup

 

"Rowan if life gives you Yellowjackets

Make Yellowjacket Soup!"

 

Gather ground-dwelling yellowjackets whole comb early in the morning.  Place over heat right side up to loosen grubs.   Remove grubs.  Place comb over heat again until the cover parches.  Remove and pick out yellow jackets and brown in oven.  Make soup by boiling in water season with grease and salt.