Exmoor Beast Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 So we are all off camping now so I thought we should have a cooking section. Now is the season of the fresh nettle so heres a start. Nettles The folk belief in most European countries is that nettles (Urtica diorica L.) are a "spring tonic" that purifies the blood. In Germany, where much current research on the medicinal properties of plants comes from, nettle leaf tea reportedly increases blood hemoglobin. Diuretic activity has been confirmed by both laboratory studies and a human clinical study. Nettles are also thought to help stimulate blood circulation and have been used to clear chronic skin ailments. Some propose that the nettle might also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease since it contains acetylcholine and choline, both deficient in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. It also contains serotonin, a mood enhancer along with boron and calcium, important for strong bones. Nettles are tender and sweet, with a slight peppery bite that gets stronger as the plants get older. Anything you like to do with spinach you can also do with nettles — except eat them raw — because, yes, we are talking about stinging nettles here. But like most good things in life, nettles are worth a little irritation. Just wear gloves when you work with them — or plop them directly from the bag into the pan. Rest assured that the sting is eliminated by cooking. Pasta with Nettles and Parmesan 3-4 cups fresh nettles 3 Tablespoons olive oil 3-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 small hot red pepper 1 pound pasta (traditionally penne, pennette, or rigatoni) 1. Wash the nettles and put in salted boiling water for about seven minutes. 2. While they are cooking, put olive oil, garlic, and hot pepper into a frying pan over medium heat for three to four minutes. 3. Remove the cooked nettles from the boiling water and put into the frying pan with the garlic and pepper. Stir and cook for a few minutes, until excess water has evaporated and the nettles are coated with oil. 4. Use the water the nettles were boiled in to cook the pasta. When pasta is al dente (chewy), drain and toss with the cooked nettles. Serve with fresh grated parmesan. Next? Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Not much of a recipie, but the shopping list goes something along the lines of......... Meat Bread Beer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmoor Beast Posted May 11, 2006 Author Share Posted May 11, 2006 Another one of my favourites: cut sweet potato or squash or both into 3/4" cubes Make some foil parcels and place 3 or four cubes in the parcel with a bit of butter, a sprig of rosemary and a pinch of salt and pepper. Wedge the parcel in the engine bay or BBQ until cubes are tender. Delicious with a burnt banger or steak.... Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmoor Beast Posted May 11, 2006 Author Share Posted May 11, 2006 Not much of a recipie, but the shopping list goes something along the lines of.........Meat Bread Beer Surely that should read: Beer Meat Bread ? Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 ... into a frying pan over medium heat for three to four minutes... Can somebody point me in the direction of the adjustment on the fire? Maybe it should be specified as Log Mark 4 or something??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02GF74 Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Surely that should read:Beer Meat Bread ? Will oh dear, get it right for heaven's sake: Beer Beer Beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeagent Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 cant beat corned beef hash...... mix together equal quantities of corned beef and mashed potato, add fried onions to taste and fry in a large pan. add salt, pepper, tobasco sauce or hot pepper sauce to taste.... serve with decent baked beans, or peas and carrots. gravy can go nicely with it too.... worked for me as a scout, and i still like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 I was always a big fan of Sausages in Cider. Can't say that I have had it since my last scout camp, and I cetainly can't remember how to make it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Raider Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 fresh local bread sasuage and cheese, bottle of Vino. failing that................................... POT NODDLES!( Bombay bad boy eh Stu?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Cunning trip when camping is if you need rice leave it in a flask full of hot water - by the time you've finished cooking other stuff/setting up/drinking beer you have a flask full of lovely cooked rice B) (although I hold no responsibility for what your tea tastes like afterwards! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Personal favourite when camping is a steak and jacket potatoe which has been cooked on the open fire... with some local wine Mmm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8CAMEL Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Personal favourite when camping is a steak and jacket potatoe which has been cooked on the open fire... with some local wine Mmm... chocolate jaffa cakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 local wine Mmm... Depends where you are camping! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR90 Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Last time we camped I got sent out to get a Chinese!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 cant beat corned beef hash...... mix together equal quantities of corned beef and mashed potato, add fried onions to taste and fry in a large pan. add salt, pepper, tobasco sauce or hot pepper sauce to taste.... serve with decent baked beans, or peas and carrots. gravy can go nicely with it too.... worked for me as a scout, and i still like it. Sounds good just leave out the corned beef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 anything I'm not a fussy eater but: chocolate steak curries biscuits and Tea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bull Bar Cowboy Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 Not keen on Campfire & BBQ food …………… it goes along the lines of ……….. when its black its done ………… You’ll find me in the nearest restaurant ……………I suppose I’m just getting old Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted May 11, 2006 Share Posted May 11, 2006 you need a proper fire! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 you need a proper fire! ...and gin apparently................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 chocolatejaffa cakes ...yeah, ok - the steak etc. maybe the favourite - but the above is the 'normal' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exmoor Beast Posted May 12, 2006 Author Share Posted May 12, 2006 Campfire by The West Country boys at Slindon with help from Steve G and his interpretation of fallen wood Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 with help from Steve G and his interpretation of fallen wood Viagra is apparently recommended for this eventuality! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbeaumont Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 worked for me as a scout, and i still like it. You clearly went to the wrong scout troop How about freshly baked bread, fresh river trout, spit roast rabbit...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 erm how much spit do you have to add ? Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR90 Posted May 12, 2006 Share Posted May 12, 2006 You clearly went to the wrong scout troop How about freshly baked bread, fresh river trout, spit roast rabbit...? Careful Geoff, next someone will be posting a certain recipe for fox cub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.