The Mystery of Indigenous Greens

Instructions

1. Heat the grapeseed oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped white ramp bulbs to the pot. Stir them around and cook them until slightly softened. 2. Add the diced potato, asparagus and cayenne. Saute the vegetables for a minute or so. 3. Add the white wine, let the alcohol burn off a bit and stir the vegetables some more. Season everything with salt and pepper. Keep cooking the vegetables until the asparagus is bright, bright green. 4. Add the vegetable stock to the pot (enough to cover by an inch or so) and bring to a boil. 5. Add the chopped ramp greens and stir. Simmer the soup until the potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes or so. Remove from the heat. 6. Carefully blend the soup in batches in your blender to puree. 7. Add the lime juice to the pureed soup and stir to combine. Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary. To serve, bring the pureed soup to a boil and serve with any garnishes you like and slices of the hearty bread.

Note: Simmer your vegetable stock with a few chopped up pieces of asparagus to really amp up the sweet asparagus flavour. Inevitably a few spears go off/wilt-y in a bunch, just chop those up and toss them in with the stock until they’ve gone a little past the bright green stage.

Credit: Laura Wright, The First Mess. www.thefirstmess.com

Cheese Grits with Fiddleheads and Ramps in Brown Butter

This bowl of grits is topped with two of my favorite seasonal ingredients: fiddlehead ferns and ramps. I kept the dish fairly rustic to create a comforting dinner for a rainy spring night that would stick to your ribs a little. With a bit of brown butter and cheese mixed into the grits, I would call this one a huge success.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick cooking grits • 6 oz. Gruyère cheese, shredded • 1 tablespoon lemon zest • 4 sprigs of thyme • 1/2 lb fiddleheads, rinsed • 1 large bunch of ramps, rinsed • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into cubes • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions

1. Follow the directions on the packaging for cooking the grits. Once they are done, stir in the shredded cheese and 3 tablespoons of butter lemon zest, and the leaves from the thyme sprigs. Season with a little salt and pepper 2. Place the fiddleheads in a large microwavesafe bowl and add in an inch of water. Cover and cook in the microwave at high heat for 4 minutes. Remove from the microwave and drain water. 3. Set a large pan on the stove over mediumhigh heat. Add the remaining butter to the pan and let it melt, whisking frequently. Once it starts to foam, add in the ramp bulbs (not the greens) and cook in the butter for a minute or two. At this point, the butter will begin to brown and the ramps will get some color on them. Add in the fiddleheads and the ramp greens and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. 4. Transfer the grits to plates or bowls and top with fiddleheads and ramps. Be sure to get as much of the butter on top of the dish.

Credit: Brian Samuels www.athoughtforfood.net

Bloody Ramp with Pickled Ramp Garnish

Brew up a batch of this ramp infused vodka while you can still get your hands on some ramps. It’s super easy and a great way to have ramps throughout the year, that is if you don’t get too addicted and drink it all too fast!

Instructions

• Trim and clean 15 - 20 ramps, removing leaves for another use. • Place the ramp bulbs and stems in your best vodka and store in your fridge for 3 months or even up to a year. • Check the vodka from time to time to see when you like the taste of it best. • Mix up your favorite Bloody Mary using the ramp infused vodka. • Garnish with pickled ramps (use any pickling recipe you like) pour over crushed ice, rim the glass with celery salt. And Enjoy!

SPRING & SUMMER FESTIVALS, FAIRS & FUN FOR 2021

Welcome to the most complete list of Festivals & Fairs in north Georgia!

Due to COVID-19 many events have been cancelled. While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and see all that north Georgia and the southern Appalachians has to offer!

A Blooming Affair at Hamilton Gardens

April 17 – May 23 2021 Spring will be upon us before we know it, and with Spring we’ll see our fabulous Rhododendrons and Azaleas show their vibrant colors once again. While there is color somewhere in the Gardens almost all year, spring is the peak time to plan your visit. While nature and the weather will dictate the specific dates, typically the wildflowers start in mid-to-late March; the native Azaleas start blooming shortly after the wildflowers; then the Rhododendrons start to pop in mid-April to mid-May; and the Mountain Laurels follow the Rhododendrons. We’re often asked when the “peak” of the season is, and a ROUGH estimate is Mother’s Day, plus or minus a week or two. 8am to Dusk. No pets. Hamilton Gardens at the Georgia Mountain Fairground 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. 706-9700011or hamiltongardens.org

Tina’s Tie Dye is one of our local festival favorites, pictured above with her husband Tim. Visit: www.tinastiedye.com

24th Annual Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference

April 9 - 10, 2021 The Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference mission is to educate, inform and inspire writers. During this conference writers will network with fellow writers, expand their markets and learn to hone their skills in various breakout sessions. The conference begins with a Workshop Intensive held on Friday from 10:30am-2:30pm. A Writers’ Meet and Greet on Friday at 5pm. Writers’ Conference sessions begin on Saturday from 9am-5pm. Books sales from our conference speakers and member writers will be available. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For more info contact (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or visit www.blueridgearts.net. Annual Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival - Online

April 16 -17, 2021 To maintain the safety of our storytellers and audience during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival will be held ONLINE. Join us for a celebration of the art of storytelling shared by a breadth of voices. Enjoy traditional and contemporary stories, children’s events, and workshops by our featured artists: Elizabeth Ellis, Diane Ferlatte, Megan Hicks, Tim Lowry, and Antonio Rocha. Some of the festival’s storytelling sessions will be recordings made by our tellers especially for GMSF 2021. Other storytelling sessions, all of the workshops, and the Q&A session will be presented live via Zoom. We hope you will find joy, hope, and laughter as you participate in this year’s virtual events. You’re in for a treat! $20. Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Register online, for tickets and info: email: info@gamountainstoryfest.org or visit www.gamountainstoryfest.org

Andrews Annual Spring Fling

April 24, 2021 Andrews NC celebrates Earth Day and our beautiful little town by sweeping out the Winter cobwebs, and opening up our downtown area to vendors and nature lovers from all over the area.

Learn about gardening, butterflies, water conservation, local history, and much more – all while you shop for great stuff from numerous local vendors. 11ma – 6pm. FREE! Downtown Andrews, NC. For info visit https://www.visitandrewsnc.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center Spring Fling April 24- 25, 2021 Celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains with a free, family-friendly event in the Nantahala Gorge! Join us for a weekend of fun at NOC during the Upper Cascades release! Shop at the Outfitters Store for great sales on paddling gear, apparel and more, or grab a meal with a view from River’s End Restaurant and watch the paddlers navigate down the river. For info visit the Nantahla Outdoor Center website: https://noc. com/ or call 828.785.4847.

Annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival Postponed to April 2022 Historic Downtown Dahlonega’s award-winning Bear on the Square Mountain Festival is a yearly celebration of the Southern Appalachian culture, including an auction, music, art and folkways. For more info visit www.bearonthesquare.org. Contact: (706) 864-3711 or (800) 231-5543.

Annual Big Shanty Festival

April 16-17, 2021 The Big Shanty Festival has grown to become one of the largest arts and crafts shows in north Georgia. More than 250 booths featuring a vast array of one-of-a-kind and homemade crafts. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History sits at the center of the festival. Outstanding local entertainment and all your favorite festival foods. Parade kicks off at 9:30 am on Saturday at Adams Park and continue down Main Street through downtown Kennesaw. Sat 10am – 6pm, Sunday Noon – 5pm. FREE. For more information call: 770-423-1330 or visit www.kennesawbusiness.org

Annual Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival

Postponed Until 2022 An absolute treat for knit, crochet, weaving, rug hooking enthusiasts and more. For more information regarding the 2022 Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival, please visit www.facebook.com/ georgiamountainneedleartsfestivalandretreat.

63rd Annual Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival

April 24, 2021 The ramp or wild leek, is a wild onion native to North America. The bulb resembles a scallion, but the flat, broad leaves set it apart, a version of the wild garlic. This event features the traditional Ramp Meal which includes, Ramps in eggs, white beans, cornbread, fried potatoes, and streaked meat bacon for take-out only. The take-out meal will be served from 10:00am until 2:00 pm. Along with the meal, bagged ramps will be available for sale until they are sold out. Additional festivities are postponed until 2022. Admission is FREE. Proceeds for this event benefit the Polk County 4-H Clubs and Camp McCroy. Camp McCroy: 1058 Hwy 30, Reliance TN. 7 miles north of Turtletown, TN. Email the Polk County Extension Director and 4-H Agent: Greg Paxton rgpaxton@ utk.edu, call 423-338-4503. Visit www.ramptrampfestival.com

Kennesaw Beer & Wine Festival

April 24, 2021 100+ beers, 25+ wines, live music, food and fun. Tickets include entry, entertainment, souvenir cup and all beer, wine and cider samples. A full list of beers, wines and ciders will be posted the week of the festival. Live music on the main stage. This is a 21 and up event, no exceptions, no kids, no babies, no pets. Rain or Shine, no refunds. 1pm – 5pm. Tickets are $35 advance, $40 after April 19, and $50 day of event. The 1808, downtown Kennesaw, 2871 Cherokee Street Kennesaw, GA 30144. Visit www.kennesawbeerwinefest.com

Annual Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival

Postponed until 2022 Celebrating the Trout Capital of Georgia from the epicenter of Fannin County. For information;call 706. 374. 2390 or email info@blueridgetroutfest. com. Visit www.blueridgetroutfest.com

Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival

Postponed until 2022 Showcases arts and crafts by more than 150 artists/crafters from across the country. FREE. For more information 770-423-1330 or visit www. smyrnacity.com

Annual Georgia Mountain Rally Hosted by the BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia

Postponed until 2022 The BMW Motorcycle Club of GA. The rally setting has lakeside tent and RV camping. All brands welcome. Visit www.bmwmcoga.org or rally@ bmwmcoga.org.

Annual Georgia Apple Blossom Festival

Postponed until 2022 One exciting weekend with over fifty hand-selected, regional vendors offering food, art, crafts, a business expo and more. Visit www.georgiaappleblossomfestival.com or 706-635-7400.

Annual Murphy Spring & Brew Festival

Postponed until 2022 Celebrate what makes Murphy our favorite town! For information visit: www.murphyspringfestival. com or follow us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/whereNCbegins/” May 7 -8, 2021 North Cobb Rotary is presenting this 100% Charity event that kicks off with a free concert on Friday night. This Georgia Barbecue Associationsanctioned barbecue cooking competition opens 5pm Friday night with Dinner (reservations), Lord of the Wings Contest, and Free Concert from 8 – 10pm. Saturday 10am – 4pm. People’s Choice, Kids Zone, music, vendors, dance club competitions& FUN! Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St, Acworth, GA 30101. For information, visit northcobbrotary.org, smokeonthelake.org

31st Annual Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow

May 7 - 8, 2021 Celebrating Cherokee County’s rich history through entertainment, education and cultural fellowship! Native American dance exhibitions and competitions. Warriors on horseback. Native American cuisine. Native arts and crafts. Hoop dancers and Aztec dancers. Tipis, wigwam and living Indian village and displays. Northern Plains encampment and a Muscogee Creek settlement. Environmental and wildlife displays & Birds of Prey show. Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sunday, 11am-6pm. Tickets on sale at the gate: Adults (13 years and up): $15. Children (6-12 years old): $5. 5 years and under: FREE. Everyone is welcome! Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy., Canton, GA 30114. For info: www.rthunder.com, 770-7356275 or rollingthunder34@ymail.com.

10th Annual Georgia Mountain Egg Fest

May 14 – 15, 2021` An Egg Fest is a gathering of Big Green Egg fans and experienced cooks/chefs from all across the country. The cooks will be preparing recipes all day long. The non-cooks (tasters) are free to stroll through the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA and sample and experience wonderful “egged” food. starting out with a Meet & Greet party at an Antique Farm Museum Friday evening, followed up the next day with the eggfest, all on the grounds of the GA Mt. Fair. Get registered soon and come see why people are saying “this is the best eggfest out there.” New- the demo eggs will be for sale at the end of the weekend and are going right at the cost level. Get yours reserved soon. For details visit: www. mountainegg.com. Taster tickets are $30.00, kids under 12 free. For info call 706-896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Annual Canton Festival of the Arts

TBD or Postponed until 2022 Held in Brown Park in historic downtown Canton GA is the festival is produced by the Cherokee County Arts Center-a 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to enriching community life through the arts-as its primary fundraiser.. Visit www.cantonartfestival.com/