48 Comments
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Donna Bolls's avatar

Hi Janisse,

I waited to read this essay until I could give it my full attention. And, I'm so glad I did. You take any topic and make it immensely interesting. Wild mushrooms are fascinating in their diversity of forms. Once on a night time adventure in a nature preserve, we observed a snail eating a mushroom. I was so enamored I have video. haha

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Campbell McInnes's avatar

right now in australia, mushrooms are in the news for all the wrong reasons - google Erin Patterson Murder Trial. I'm not big on mushrooms but this article has made me see them again in a much better light. And in my youthful days i lived in an area renowned for magic mushrooms... i was more of a beer drinker though hahahaha

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Yes, I checked it out. Don't serve your guests death cap mushrooms. And don't let me accidentally eat one!

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Dallas Anne Duncan's avatar

Oh, this was such a wonderful read. I used to listen to the "Gravy" podcast, but never got my hands on the publication. Thank you for sharing and for making me hungry for my favorite side dish (mushrooms with butter-balsamic glaze)!

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Jane Pike's avatar

Chanterelle is my new favourite word, and this is my new favourite essay.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Thank you, dear Jane.

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Ginger Eager's avatar

This is gorgeous! A part of me will be looking for mushrooms with Ancil all day.

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Mary Dansak's avatar

Wonderful in so many ways.

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Stephanie Cornais's avatar

Chanterelles in my yard is on the list of things I miss about Tallahassee. Loved this essay!

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Katie Weinberger's avatar

Beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you, Janisse 💚🍄💚

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Janisse Ray's avatar

💚🍄💚

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Max's avatar

Thank you Janisse. Love the Chanterelle piece. I was

friends with Sarah’s father until his passing.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Oh gosh. Me too. I loved Gary. He frustrated the heck out of me, but I considered him a dear & close friend. Our town is not the same without him.

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Becki Clifton's avatar

Oh Janisse! Mushrooming has been a dream of mine for years. I’ve always wanted to take a mushroom identification hike in south GA as I know my swamp sanctuary must be full of these edibles. How lucky you are to have such a neighbor.

The reminder that your daughter walked right past a rattlesnake is how I lose touch with the deepest parts of my swamp this time of year, since last year I spotted a huge timber rattler crawling over a log on my trail. I was trying to keep my walking path clear but with the recent rains and humidity, it has gotten ahead of me.

This was a wonderful piece of writing. Thank you for sharing.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

You live very close to Ancil. And it's only a hop & a skip to Forsyth Market in Savannah, where he sells on Saturday mornings. I'll try to let you know if I hear of a hike.

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Barbara's avatar

A magnificent piece of writing, and a marvelous glimpse into an elusive yet glorious culinary treasure. I’m sharing with my nature and food people here in Ware and Bacon counties!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Perfect. The season has begun & all this rain makes for promising conditions.

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JulsB's avatar

Would love a recommendation of a good guide… knowledgeable friend? Foraging group? Thanks😉

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Maybe one will show up on this thread....

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Carol Durusau's avatar

Chanterelles grow all around the Covington area. A friend shared some with me many years ago and I have sought them out ever since. An organic farmer, I buy from is bringing me some tomorrow. Thanks for the lovely article; your descriptions of wandering through the forest remind me of squirrel hunting with my father. And, thanks for a new word, falcate. I love it.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Enjoy those chants tomorrow!

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Carol Durusau's avatar

My favorite way to eat them is sauteed, and scattered heavily atop a bowl of Southern

fried sweet corn.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

What is southern fried sweet corn? How does that happen?

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Carol Durusau's avatar

Well, my mother never called it that, but the recipes I have seen for it do call it that. I thought it was a Georgia thing. What it is, basically is creamed fresh sweet corn cooked with a lot of butter. My mama cooked it in the oven in a casserole dish, people in North Georgia, at least, cook it in a skillet on top of the stove. The sauteed chanterelles on top make it especially nice.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Strange. I've never had it cooked that way, not that I remember.

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Denise Feiber's avatar

Thank you again Jeff Dwyer for introducing me to Janisse. And Janisse, thank you for helping start my day with hope and a smile. Talk about the need for like-minded people in a conservative community like Cedar Key, Jeff and Elizabeth took us newbies back in 2018 under their wings and then abandoned us a few years ago. Just kidding - we love and miss them.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Denise, I love them both very much. Jeff has given me a lot of great advice and contacts over the years. I trust his literary judgment completely. I'm so glad he introduced you to my work. Thank you, Jeff!!!

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JulsB's avatar

Never have done this… it’s on my bucket list… your writing and Ancil’s passion make foraging for mushrooms come alive!!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Where do you live, may I ask?

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JulsB's avatar

Right here in GA… Johns Creek (Atlanta northern suburb)

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Good. You'll be able to find them pretty close to you.

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John F. Eden's avatar

Ah, this is so wonderful! Janisse captures the true wonder of mushrooming and its deeper meaning. I’ve harvested chanterelles from the Oregon coast to the Altamaha flood plain, and she penetrates the mystery! Her portrayal on Ancil is also just perfect! He’s a wonder!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Love the thought of you wandering the Altamaha floodplain looking for these jewels.

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