Hazel catkin sweets and tea

 So,  folks,  long time,  no post. I am still alive,  though. 

What a shitty time to live in,  eh?

But, well, it is not that we did not see it coming. And,  trust me,  that is not all there is. 

The woods have their problems,  but at least they have not gone completely conkers. Except conkers. ;-)

So, shit on that,  here is a treat for you I recently tried out.  

Hazelnut catkins are in bloom. 

They are rich with nutrients,  protein,  potassium, vitamins and minerals and are reputed to be a staple winter survival food. More on the ingredients maybe in another post. They are said to be anti- inflammatory,  rich with antioxidants. I also like them fresh off the tree,  but they are a right treat when processed. 

Took one tablespoon of butter and a good sprinkling of refined sugar,  put in the catkins and caramelized them on low heat for about five minutes,  until golden brown. 

They have a bit of a taste of relatively dark popcorn with a flowery aftertaste. Yummy! 

Of course that wasn't the end of it...

On a recent hike I took some...

Put them in the kettle....

Charred them somewhat...(you,  however,  might simply want to brown them ;-)) and boiled them with a bit of honey and water. 

The outcome was a really lovely,  caramel popcorny tea. 

For the second batch I added a heaped spoon of coffee. 

Turned out delicious,  too. It would most certainly go well with Chaga or acorn coffee as well.