Hazelnuts

Last fall, I was fortunate enough to beat the local critters to some of the hazelnuts that blessed our area.  I gathered about 5 lbs worth.  Of course, the husks need to dry before the nuts can be removed reliably.

With an injured ankle, and vigilant family hounding  me to keep from using it, I sat down to remove the now dry husks.  While 5 pounds of nuts sounds like a lot, and looked like a lot with the husks, it fills not much more that a single quart sized jar with the husks removed.

Here they are.  I am half way through the complete process.  Next, I need to shell them.

Life is good!

The Pressure Is Building

This is the first day in a long time that the temperature is expected to reach into the upper 30s here.  It has caused me to really begin thinking about the coming sugaring season!  I can not wait to get out and tap the trees.

Oh yeah ... we are planning to continue Foraging Sundays with more emphasis on storing foods to be able to go year round!

My winter slumber is nearing its end.