I walked into greenhouse… and I had to pick the nettle! They were growing everywhere. I tried something a little different today—hand pies filled with nettles, fetaki cheese, and quark. It started with a simple idea: I had nettles, I had pastry, and I wanted something warm and comforting. The kind of food that feels … More Nettle & Cheese Pastry Triangles – Experiment
I started the day at 6:45… just woke up, without an alarm! Not sure why, but I decided to take the day as it comes. First thing, I went for a walk and collected maple samaras – their shapes are so perfect and delicate. Feeling inspired, I tried my hand at watercolor and painted the … More Vacation Day 28 – Morning Walk, Watercolors, and Foraging
This morning I woke up at 11am and couldn’t open my eyes. It was so dark outside — and just as dark inside — that for a second, I thought it was already evening. You know that strange twilight feeling, when the sky doesn’t care what time it is? I tried to shake it off … More When the Forest Calls Through the Rain
The meadowsweet has started to bloom! I can’t wait to see the whole field burst into those soft, creamy-white blossoms, glowing in the light like a dream. There’s something magical about them—how they catch the sun and seem to shimmer in the breeze. And the scent… it’s the smell of summer itself. Warm, sweet, and … More 🌿 Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – A Scent of Summer and Sweet Relief
Clover might just be one of the most underestimated little plants growing all around us (well, also nettle, read here). It doesn’t shout for attention. It’s low to the ground, quiet, and humble—but if you look closely, it’s everywhere. In our fields, by the garden beds, under the apple trees… And as I’ve learned, it’s … More Clover – A Tiny Flower with Big Benefits
Today’s post will be a bit longer. I love being back to nature and enjoying its wild bounty, like nettles, which offer both nourishment and healing, reminding me of the incredible gifts the earth provides. While most people rush to get rid of nettles, I welcome them—especially this time of year. Today, I went into … More Nettles – My Springtime Secret Weapon
Before spring fully awakens, a small yet powerful flower emerges. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) resembles a dandelion but holds its own magic. Blooming before its leaves appear, it has long symbolized resilience and healing. A Plant of Many Names Known as son-before-father, horsehoof, and coughwort, coltsfoot’s Latin name Tussilago comes from tussis, meaning “cough.” Its flowers … More Coltsfoot: The Hidden Guardian of Spring
So, there I was, driving through the forest, when suddenly—mushrooms! Right there, smack in the middle of the dirt road. It looked like someone had carefully arranged them, like a little mushroom art installation. I had to stop and check if this was real or some kind of prank. But nope—it was real! These mushrooms … More Unexpected Road Mushrooms! 🍄
I recently set out on a mushroom-hunting adventure, and I’m thrilled to report that I found a few chanterelles! Just enough to whip up a delicious mushroom gravy, a staple in every Latvian household. There’s something so comforting about this dish, especially when served with creamy mashed potatoes. I can’t help but reminisce about a … More Chanterelles and Gravy: A Culinary Tradition
I recently bought a new pair of wellies, and I’m excited to take them out for a spin! With mushroom hunting season winding down, I can’t wait to explore the woods and see if I can find some of my favorite chanterelles. There’s something special about wearing wellies while wandering through the forest, stepping over … More New Wellies and the Last Chanterelles of the Season
When the Latvian forests are full of mushrooms, I can’t resist heading out to forage for Russula, one of my absolute favorites. There’s no exact recipe for this—just a straightforward and delightful method that I follow. As the mushrooms cook slowly in butter (or oil), they release their rich, earthy flavors, capturing the essence of … More Comfort Food: Fried Russula from the Latvian Forest
I’ve always been a forager at heart, and living in Latvia—a country rich in sprawling forests—is a true blessing. Foraging is more than a hobby; it’s a way of life passed down through my family. My mom and grandmother taught me everything I know about the forest, guiding me on what to pick and what … More Forest Treasures and Family Traditions in Latvia