The Incredible Edible....Flower?

A few weeks ago a neighbor brought me some prepared Prickly Pear Flower to taste. Hmmm...even though I find the Prickly Pear Plant interesting, I have to admit that eating any part the pointed thing never crossed my mind.  I've seen the "pad" part of the plant in the produce section of local stores but never felt compelled to give it a try.

Even though I politely turned down my neighbors offer - I prefer to do research on my own before I try strange foods from the wild - it intrigued me enough to do a little research.

The "fruit" of the Prickly Pear has an interesting history and also can be eaten as fruit.  On my next walk at the park where the plants are abundant I carried my gloves and a pack to carry my pickings in. Even though you can't see or feel them initially, the hairs on the fruit itself are like shards of glass. Once they get into your skin they are super hard to get out and are very painful to the touch....yes, I know this from experience.

Scald the hairs off before preparation....

The color is a beautiful magenta. At one time in history the "red" secretion was cultivated by the Aztecs and exported to Spain where it was highly valued by the Spanish, next to gold and silver to dye royal garments and military uniforms.....

I have to admit the fruit is tasty but a lot of work and care for such a painful small yield.

In my spare time I've been working on a few crochet projects. For my niece who started her college journey many miles from home I decided on this colorful pattern for a cozy, comfy blanket.

It was a fun project and it turned out quite nicely. I hope she will enjoy it.....

I also whipped up a few small projects. This one I sent back to one of my neighbors on the plate that she always so generously sends us yummy treats on....

Hot pad, pot holder, and coasters

I enjoy doing quick small projects that keep my hands busy when I'm sitting around with the family....

Coaster, key chain, bookmarks, car cup holder pads

Coasters and hot pads

With the arrival of fall I've been itching to get out and do some hiking. I've also got some exciting stuff coming up....a ghost tour trip downtown with a friend and a trip to Dallas to the Texas State Fair...and anything else I can come up with.

Barring no major emergencies, I plan on making the most of the next couple of months.