The Rebel Palate

(Click here to jump to the recommended song, Maple by Galgox (Googie on YouTube)!) In New England, maple trees are everywhere. We know them mostly for their sap that’s boiled down into delicious syrup, but they give us other things, too. Yes, other than wood. In fall they drop their helicopter seeds, and in spring they drop red or green blossoms (depending on the species). Spring is also when the seeds grow into little tree sprouts. Recently, I’ve figured out how to take advantage of this. The blossoms can be made into tea and the sprouts can be made into… cooked sprouts. This is a short one. I’m still trying to figure out the Average Joe Rule I talked about in January . Health and safety disclaimer: I highly recommend you wash anything you find in or on the ground. I mean, I’m pretty sure you do that anyway.  Also, I only think these are edible because I’ve eaten them and not died. Eat unfamiliar foods at your own discretion. MAPLE BLOSSOM TEA If you want maple blossoms, now’s the ti

(Click here to jump to the recommended song, International Super Spy as performed by FoolishFrankie!) The Backyardigans was an animated show on Nick Jr. that aired from October 11, 2004 to July 12, 2013. It starred five brightly-colored anthropomorphic animal characters, presumably between the ages of 5 and 7, using their imaginations to go on all kinds of crazy adventures. The series focused heavily on music, featuring four musical numbers per episode. The songs have recently gained popularity on the Internet due to their impeccable flavor, or something like that. Don't feel bad if you're just hearing about this now, because I myself usually miss these types of things. International Super Spy is one of the most popular Backyardigans songs right now, and my brother and I just watched the two-part special the song was in. Stop reading and watch the episode now if you don't want spoilers. If you don't care, can you lend me some of your marbles? I lost all of mine. S

(Click here to jump to the recommended song, An American Trilogy as performed by Elvis Presley!) Monday is Memorial Day, and what's more patriotic than making a beverage for your cookout using an ingredient from your own backyard? If you're a New Englander like me, you may have seen bottles of birch beer in restaurant fridges or even at your local grocery store. If you've never tasted it, it has a delighful wintergreen taste that slightly resembles root beer. I myself have drunk storebought versions and made my own for years! Now it's time to show you how. NOTE: This recipe takes HOURS to make, so you may want to do this on a day off... maybe Sunday!   Also, this is a non-alcoholic recipe. If you're looking for a fermented birch beer, there are plenty of other tutorials for that on equally rebellious blogs. ;) I may make such a tutorial myself once I'm of age. YOU WILL NEED: - Sharp, straight-edged knife - Mixing Bowl - Pot/Saucepan - Hella birch twigs - Sugar