I woke up and looked out the window. It wasn't the brightest day, but I decided to go for a wander, knowing that the wood ears should be at their prime.
I visited the woodland nearby where lots of these wobbly, jelly-like mushrooms grow.
I wasn't disappointed. Although it was very cold, the expectation of seeing these inspired me.
A few years back, I wasn't keen on picking these. If you haven't touched one before, the first time you touch it, you'll freak out; it is cold, soft, rubbery, wobbly, and weird-looking, like ears! It gave me shivers.
Even my kitty wasn't a fan.
But if you cook them right, you won't hesitate to find more. They have a pleasant chewiness with a crunch, and they absorb flavors from the dishes they are cooked in.
We walked back with few ears in my basket.
Back home, I prepared them by cutting the hard, woody base.
Washed and chopped
and cooked them with vermicelli noodles.
It was a nice dish and everyone enjoyed.
It was an adventure on a plate.
Thank you for reading.
Have a wonderful day!
Mariah 💚