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
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
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)!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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
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
Yes, I checked it out. Don't serve your guests death cap mushrooms. And don't let me accidentally eat one!
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)!
Chanterelle is my new favourite word, and this is my new favourite essay.
Thank you, dear Jane.
This is gorgeous! A part of me will be looking for mushrooms with Ancil all day.
Wonderful in so many ways.
Chanterelles in my yard is on the list of things I miss about Tallahassee. Loved this essay!
Beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you, Janisse 💚🍄💚
💚🍄💚
Thank you Janisse. Love the Chanterelle piece. I was
friends with Sarah’s father until his passing.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Perfect. The season has begun & all this rain makes for promising conditions.
Would love a recommendation of a good guide… knowledgeable friend? Foraging group? Thanks😉
Maybe one will show up on this thread....
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.
Enjoy those chants tomorrow!
My favorite way to eat them is sauteed, and scattered heavily atop a bowl of Southern
fried sweet corn.
What is southern fried sweet corn? How does that happen?
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.
Strange. I've never had it cooked that way, not that I remember.
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.
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!!!
Never have done this… it’s on my bucket list… your writing and Ancil’s passion make foraging for mushrooms come alive!!
Where do you live, may I ask?
Right here in GA… Johns Creek (Atlanta northern suburb)
Good. You'll be able to find them pretty close to you.
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!
Love the thought of you wandering the Altamaha floodplain looking for these jewels.