Out early in the very quiet village where it seems I am the only one active :) The rest are probably in bed, the cold winter makes you want to stay in. I'm pleased to have a #fungifriday by 
I went to a village woodland, nice and bright, very crisp and cold.
I found a decaying mossy wood stump with old polypore mushrooms, lifeless but still perked up and beautiful. The stump must have depleted of nutrition for these mushrooms, and only moss surviving on it.
I walked a bit further and spotted what I thought was chaga mushroom. To my disappointment, it was a burl. They happen when there's stress in the tree caused by fungus, bacteria, causing the tree to misshape, probably a tree's defense mechanism.
Then on the ground, I saw a muddy stone beads old bracelet, probably dropped by someone a while back. I picked it up so I could have a proper look at it when I got home.
A bit further, I spotted a bunch of twigs, attracting me to come nearer.
I was overjoyed to discover that underneath were attractive scarlet elf cup mushrooms (Sarcoscypha coccinea ) sprouting through the dead twigs and leaves.
It seems that when there aren't many other fungi about on the dullest winter, this elf cup appears to brighten.
In European folklore, it was said that wood elves drank morning dew from the cups or from where the fairies bathe.
This could be where these mystical creatures gather? hmmm, beauty and magic in seemingly ordinary place. Imagination goes on...
The shape and appearance of the fungus, resembling a small cup or goblet, sparked more my imagination.
The woodland elves sipping dew from these tiny cups?, and fairies gathering to bathe in their magical essence? It got me into the realm of fantasy and wonder! :)
Truly, the natural world has a way of inspiring creativity and wonder.
So, I picked a few and left the rest for the fairies and elves and for the little creatures to chomp on.
Delighted to have walked home with the brightest Scarlet elf cups in my basket.
Back home, I admired the elf cups with my wild imagination as I was cleaning them.
I washed and boiled them in saltwater.
I put them in a jar.
I boiled 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup vinegar and poured it over the elf cup.
This mixture will maintain its vibrant color and preserve the mushrooms for a while, allowing you to enjoy them when they're not in season. It could be used to create a mystical-themed dish. The mushrooms can be added to salads, stir-fries, or eaten with cheese. They have a subtle earthy and mildly woody taste. Pickling them in this way is the best preparation method, in my opinion, as it also keeps them crunchy.
I will call it Sweet Elf Cup Pickle.
To complete my adventure, I made an elven treat. I filled the elf cup with brandy and paired it with cheese, membrillo (fruit cheese), blueberries, and biscuits. The sweet, citrusy, savory, and crunchy biscuit, complemented by the warmth of the brandy and the subtle woody, earthy flavour from the elf cup, made for a magical treat. ;)
And to add to my #fungifriday mushroom hunt fun, I cleaned up the bracelet and it now looks beautiful and new. Giving it a new lease on life.
It's amazing how nature offers surprises and treasures if we take the time to observe and appreciate.
Thank you for looking. Have a wonderful day, everyone.
Mariah ❤️