Apr_2016

Even the church in Medieval times supported the practice
of gathering leaves and flowers to decorate homes, “going
a-maying” on May Eve. The Puritans forbade it but maying
returned with Charles 11 and carried on until the 19th
Century in spite of warnings about the moral danger of
being out in the woods at night. Birch, rowan and especially
the flower of the hawthorn are all associated with May
festivals.
Just before dawn on May Day women rushed to wash their
faces in dew, thought to be good for the complexion. It was
supposed to be effected and gathered from leaves of oak,
ivy or hawthorn.
Cheaper than Olay certainly!
Rhubarb and Ginger Fool
The rhubarb season is well advanced
1lb rhubarb
Half a pint of thick custard
2 oz preserved or powdered ginger
Stew the fruit in very little water, sweeten to taste.
Add a pinch of bi-carb. Sieve.
Mix with the custard and add the ginger, save a little for
decoration.
Pour into sundae glasses, decorate with ginger and chill.
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