I have been out tonight with a plastic bag collecting wild garlic and coming home my car has a heavy pungent smell. This always reminds me of an incident that happened years ago, I may have mentioned it before.
I was climbing with a friend from the village. We drove up to the Eden Valley in search of some sandstone. It must have been this time of year as on the foot approach along the river we ploughed through swathes of garlic. Even the base of the crag, where we dumped our sacks, was covered in the aromatic plants. The day wore on as we climbed several routes. Packed up we retired to a pub in Orton for a pint or two. The landlord even mentioned the garlic smell to which we had by now become oblivious. Arriving back in our village, rather later than planned due to the pub visit, I dropped my friend off at home. When I next met up with him he related how his wife had given him a good dressing down for being late, but even worse accused him of not climbing at all but dining out at an Italian restaurant with a secret belle, the garlic odour being so strong. He had difficulty persuading her otherwise. My car and climbing gear stunk for weeks.
No secret rendezvous tonight, just a short walk into some shady woods to harvest some Wild Garlic leaves. As a bonus I also enjoyed a good show of Bluebells. 
My bag of garlic is now emptied onto the kitchen worktop. I separate out the flowers, they are useful as a topping on salads for a quick flavour boost. the leaves I wash. In the past I have used them in a nettle and garlic soup and have made a tasty pesto sauce. But tonight I’m going to sauté the leaves in butter to have with a couple of poached eggs, accompanied by some new Jersey potatoes. 
Et voila…
Where was the walk?
From the Higher Hodder Bridge,
Thank you
Your meal looks delightful but you can have my share of the wild garlic, I can’t stand the smell of it.
Your story from years ago reminds me of one of my own from when I worked at stables and on one occasion we had a double loose box full of strong-smelling haylage. Of course working there twice a day every day I didn’t notice it but the newsagent did when I called in one day for a morning paper, apparently I stank of the stuff! 🙂
Yes there are farmers who come shopping in Longridge and bring the smell of the byre with them.
Looks like you’ve mastered one of the many ways eggs can be poached as dogmatically posted on You Tube.
I have had a guess at the identity of your Garlic Day climbing partner. Nuff said.
I’m not an expert at poached eggs ,hit or miss.
But think they are the one way to cook eggs giving the best flavour.
You may be wrong in your guess, will speak later.
Eden is particularly good for wild garlic.
Eden is pretty good for most things.
You certainly know how to live the high life, BC!
Well done…
I didn’t include the bottle of Bubbly in the photo.
I fancy trying wild garlic but somehow never have got round to it before it’s gone off!
Now is the time to pick it. Once the leaves are cooked their strong garlic flavour is dissipated. Good mixed with spinach.
We just eat it raw at this time, but at this time of year it smells gorgeous. To me anyway, I get that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
We are all friends together where garlic is concerned.
I once made some savoury wild garlic and cheese scones but I think I overdid it with the garlic, 🧄 they were rather strong!
It’s great sautéed with spinach.
Wild garlic and mushroom risotto is the way to go. But enjoy however you can as the season is short. I usually put a tub in the freezer as well, it wilts badly but is great for flavouring soup or light casseroles.
That risotto sounds good – will pick some more before it goes over.
The risotto was indeed delicious, thanks.
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