Easy Rowan Berry Recipes

Rowan berries, also known as mountain ash berries, are small, vibrant fruits that begin to ripen in the late autumn, making them a perfect symbol of the transition from the cooler months to the heart of the festive season. Their bright red hue and striking clusters make them a popular choice for creating beautiful, natural wreaths, adding a touch of seasonal charm to any home. As November rolls in and we prepare for the holidays, these berries mark the stepping stone to more festive traditions.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, rowan berries offer a wealth of health benefits and can be transformed into a variety of delicious recipes. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, these berries have long been used in folk medicine for their ability to support immune health, improve digestion, and even help with inflammation. They are also known for their natural ability to boost circulation and maintain heart health.

In the kitchen, rowan berries can be used in a range of delightful treats, from homemade jams to soothing teas. A warming cup of rowan berry tea is perfect for cold evenings, while rowan berry compote can add a tangy twist to your breakfast spread.

Rowan Berry Compote Recipe

If you prefer a simpler, less sweet option than jam, a rowan berry compote can be made, which is perfect for serving with desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. To slowly introduce Christmas season, we had it with rice porridge this weekend.

Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh rowan berries

• 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)

• 1 cup water

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Berries:

   • Rinse the rowan berries and remove them from the stems.

2. Cook the Berries:

   • Place the rowan berries in a saucepan with the water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

   • Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

3. Simmer:

   • Simmer the compote for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries are soft and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency.

4. Cool and Store:

   • Once the compote has thickened, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks.

   • Allow the compote to cool before transferring it to a jar or serving dish.

   • Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Rowan berry tea is a delightful, warming beverage that combines the tartness of the berries with the aromatic flavors of herbs and spices. Here’s a cozy Rowan Berry Tea Recipe that incorporates rosemary, honey, and a touch of cinnamon for an added festive touch.

Rowan Berry Tea with Rosemary, Honey, and Cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh rowan berries (about 20-30 berries)

• 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1-2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)

• 2 cups water

• Optional: a slice of lemon or a few cloves for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Berries:

   • Rinse the rowan berries thoroughly. If using fresh berries, crush them lightly with the back of a spoon or a muddler to release their flavor.

2. Boil the Water:

   • In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

3. Add the Ingredients:

   • Add the crushed rowan berries, rosemary, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and any optional spices like cloves or lemon slices to the water.

4. Simmer the Tea:

   • Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together, and the water takes on a deep, reddish hue from the rowan berries.

5. Strain and Sweeten:

   • Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solid ingredients (or keeping the rosemary sprig for decoration).

   • Stir in honey to taste, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.

6. Serve:

   • Enjoy the tea warm, and if desired, garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or a thin slice of lemon.

Tips:

• If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the tea steep for a longer time or crush the rowan berries more to release more of their juices.

• Rowan berries are naturally quite tart, so the honey will help balance that out. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave if you prefer.

• The cinnamon and rosemary complement the rowan berries nicely, but feel free to adjust or add other spices like cloves or star anise for a more festive, spiced aroma.

This rowan berry tea, with its mix of herbs, spices, and natural sweetness, is perfect for warming up during the colder months and can become a comforting ritual as you get ready for the holidays.

2x Christmas Wreaths

Material: Blueberry, spruce & lingonberry twigs & a potted plant with berries

Juniper branch & lingonberry twigs with green velvet ribbon

Make the base

Forage some greens - mainly spruce, pine and blueberry/lingonberry branches

Wreath base

You need bendable young branches or thick florist wire to create the base. If you can forage young branches that bend easily, collect a bunch and bend them into a circle. Secure the circle with florist wire that is twisted around the branches so it stays in place.

If you do not have branches- you can simple twist thick florist wire into a circle and repeat this process a few times so it create strength into the base.

Creating a wreath with foraged goods is a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Here's a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process:

Materials Needed:

1. Florist wire or a sturdy wire frame

2. Pruners or scissors

3. Foraged goods such as evergreen branches, twigs, pinecones, dried flowers, and berries

4. Ribbon or twine for hanging

Make the Wreath

Step 1: Gather Your Materials Collect a variety of foraged goods from your garden, local park, or nearby woods. Look for items like evergreen branches, twigs, pinecones, dried flowers, and berries. Ensure they are in good condition and free of pests.

Step 2: Prepare the Base: If you're using a wire frame, shape it into a circle or any desired wreath shape. If you don't have a wire frame, you can create a base by bending a sturdy wire into a circular shape. Ensure the base is strong enough to hold the weight of the foraged materials. You can also make the base from bendable twigs.

Step 3: Create Small Bouquets Take small bunches of foraged goods, making sure they are of similar length. Arrange them in a way that looks pleasing to you. Hold the bundle together and trim the ends to a uniform length.

Step 4: Secure with Florist Wire Use florist wire to tightly bind the trimmed ends of the bouquet. Wrap the wire around the stems a few times and twist the ends together to secure the bundle.

Step 5: Attach to the Base Place the secured bouquet on the wire frame and use additional florist wire to attach it securely. Wrap the wire around the stems and the base, ensuring it's tight and stable.

Step 6: Repeat the Process Continue creating small bouquets and attaching them to the base. Overlap each bouquet with the previous one to ensure full coverage and a lush appearance. Vary the types of foraged goods to add texture and interest to your wreath.

Step 7: Fill Gaps As you work, fill in any gaps or sparse areas by adding smaller pieces of greenery or other foraged items. This will give your wreath a more polished and cohesive look.

Step 8: Add a Hanging Mechanism Once the wreath is complete, attach a ribbon or twine to the top for hanging. Ensure it's securely fastened, especially if your wreath is on the heavier side.

Step 9: Trim Excess Trim any excess stems or wire to give your wreath a neat and finished appearance or let it be wild and free, imperfectly perfect.

Step 10: Hang and Enjoy Find a suitable place to hang your foraged wreath, whether it's on your front door, above the fireplace, or as a beautiful centerpiece. Admire your creation and enjoy the natural beauty it brings to your space.

Base made from young twigs

a bouquet of twigs that are attached to the base

bouquet secured with florist wire

then repeat the process until the base is full

Gift Wrapping Inspo

As the countdown to Christmas Eve dwindles down to just ten days, the fleeting nature of this time becomes all too apparent. This year's Christmas season has unfolded against the backdrop of a distinctive landscape, markedly different from the usual array of little gatherings and festive cocktails in town, a departure enforced by the prevailing pandemic. Undeterred, we're determined to infuse the season with the warmth of the holidays, despite the unconventional circumstances.

Venturing into town for the remaining gifts is still on the to-do list, although some thoughtful purchases have already been secured. Amidst the hustle, I find solace in the art of gift wrapping, an activity that elevates the spirit of giving. Personally, I gravitate towards wrapping paper with natural, muted tones, eschewing the ostentatious brightness for a more refined aesthetic. Plain "brown" paper, not only easily recyclable but also exuding sophistication through its simplicity, is my go-to choice. Adorned with delicate strings or the verdant charm of evergreen branches, it attains a subtle yet captivating beauty.

Lace or jute, in an array of muted colors, complements the wrapping paper seamlessly. For an added touch of elegance, consider snipping a fresh flower bud from around the house just before placing the gift under the tree. For recipients who relish adorning their homes, incorporating a homemade wreath or a glass jar filled with dried herbs alongside the presents adds a personalized touch.

For an eco-conscious twist, opt for fabric cloths as reusable gift wrap, destined to be passed down through generations of celebrations. A nugget of information worth noting – glitter-adorned paper may look enchanting, but it isn't recyclable, making it a less eco-friendly choice.

If you find yourself in need of gift ideas, consider the timeless allure of artisan perfumes, the luxury of cashmere, or the indulgence of silk pajamas. Special candles, French soaps, coffee table books, linen, and antiques make for delightful presents, resonating with a touch of sophistication. For the gentlemen, cozy joggers, driving gloves, thick knits, or quality leather goods may be just the ticket.

When visiting friends, a thoughtful gesture can be a nice bottle of wine, accompanied by specialty coffee beans and perhaps a homemade wreath. And in the spirit of the season, never underestimate the allure of edible goods as gifts.

As the evening settles in, I look forward to creating a cozy atmosphere with a steaming mug of glögi and settling down for a heartwarming Christmas movie alongside my beloved husband.

Christmas Morning

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! The world outside is adorned in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a magical spectacle in the crisp -10-degree weather. This morning holds an extra layer of enchantment as we celebrate our first Christmas as a blossoming family. Nestled together in bed, including our dear Siena, who is marking her second birthday today. Our festive feast comprises steaming bowls of rice porridge, generously adorned with a luscious sticky date and plum sauce. Crafting the sauce involves a delightful blend of dates, plums, seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of orange zest, all harmoniously simmered with a touch of brown sugar if desired. Dried apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon crown this delicious creation. Christmas melodies fill the air as we gather around the tree to unwrap a few presents, adorned in cozy pajamas and festive hats. This precious moment, with our little one and my husband, is a cherished dream fulfilled. As we embark on this holiday, surrounded by the warmth of family, the magic of the season, and the joy of loved ones, it's a Christmas morning to be treasured forever.