Every spring, I remember the times I spent with my paternal grandfather before he died in 1945.
He was born in 1867. So, I got exposed to a lot of 19th-century thoughts, many still with me today in the 21st century. One thing that always comes back is our “gathering a batch of greens.” Most of them were young dandelion leaves. He also cut other plant leaves. But I don’t recall what they were. After he washed them, he’d add them to the bacon he was frying as it was getting crisp. And, there always were fried eggs involved. Although I don’t remember the taste, it’s a fond memory.
As I got older and on my own, I developed my own springtime habits, often with him in mind. I also “gather greens,” mostly young dandelion leaves. I enjoy them in a green salad with olive oil, vinegar and garlic powder. When I have cooked bacon in the freezer, I heat it in olive oil, then wilt the leaves in it.
Another thing I stated doing several years ago was having shad in the spring. This began when I lived in Lambertville and was friends with Fred Lewis of Lewis Island where the spring run of shad were netted by the only legal shad fishery on the Delaware. I would tell Fred what I wanted, which he would set aside on ice until I picked them up. Mostly I got bucks but occasionally a doe for her roe – great meals!
When I no longer lived in Lambertville and still wanted fish, I chose catfish. A fisherman friend used to catch at least one for me. He’d skin and fillet it, then give it to me. I still buy it, especially in spring. I used to bake it. However, I finally decided that catfish is best friend, not just cooked!
Enjoy spring and stay safe!
If you have suggestions of questions for this column, please contact me directly at guthrielarason@verizon.net.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
