Trolls are an elusive group and among the largest inhabitants of the Fairy Kingdom as well as perhaps the most misunderstood.

Here on the north side of a small mountain in Maine we live and work side by side all sorts of magical beings including a Clan of Trolls.

Some Troll facts :

Did you know that Trolls have the gift of invisibility so they are not often seen? Did you know that Trolls speak in tones so low they are seldom heard? Trolls love music, and some of them sing but the vibrations are of a frequency that other beings can’t hear them unless they want them to…which mostly they don’t. Trolls are very, very shy and with the exception of the Grand Fairy Spring Ball they mostly keep to themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eugene is a dear friend of mine and a Troll from the Clan of the Knoll. He is a metal smith and constructs all sorts of magical implements, such as the lovely Miss Millicent Mae Mailbox, as well as bells and finely tuned keys for mbiras and kalimbas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eugene’s cousins Beyla and Laszlo Troll are craftsman too; they carve rustic furniture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and paint not so rustic furniture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They live nearby in enchanted lichen covered caves close to the top of the hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most Trolls of the Knoll are carvers and make lovely over sized furniture and exquisite instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just below Beyla and Laszlo’s cave lives William Edwin Troll and his wife Nora Russell Troll.

William Edwin is a talented musician who plays many instruments including the piano, the zither, violin, cello, viola, mbira and kalimba. (to name just a few!) William Edwin also composes music which he plays for his wife Nora as she prepares their meals.

Nora Russell Troll is just as talented as her husband. Nora Russell plays piano and is lead soloist in the Grand Troll Opera. She and Edwin make quite a pair and during the Grand Fairy Spring Ball if the breeze is just right you can hear her accompanying his melancholy playing as she hits both the high notes and the lowest of the low with her beautiful voice. Who knew Trolls could sing and play music, and so beautifully at that?

But there’s another thing about Trolls that might surprise you even more…

All Trolls are excellent chefs.

However, as you may have guessed, unlike Fairies or Pixies or most residents of the Fairy Kingdom Trolls are not vegetarians; they consume copious amounts of fish along with the furred and feathered.

Worry not, they consume only what they need, always blessing the food they eat with gratitude.

Out of respect for other members of the Fairy Kingdom while attending The Annual Grand Fairy Spring Ball all Trolls leave their meat dishes at home and prepare a beautiful vegetarian dish which always, always includes cabbage. Trolls absolutely love cabbage!

Their favorite meatless recipe is Troll Slaw. Yes, Troll Slaw not Cole Slaw….same thing but with a few differences.

Following is the recipe and I think you might appreciate the creativity of the Troll Clan in a way you never did before after you sample just one bite. Yes, it’s that good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TROLL SLAW

Dressing for Troll Slaw:

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper or a pinch or two more.

2 Tablespoons Stevia (Truvia) or  1/4 Sugar (I do as the Trolls and use stevia)

1/4 cup minced and chopped fine cilantro

2 tsp peeled, grated and chopped fine fresh ginger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In small bowl or a 1 cup glass measuring cup whisk together the above ingredients, cover and let set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For The Slaw:

3 cups very thinly sliced and chopped small organic red cabbage

3 cups very thinly sliced and chopped small organic green cabbage

4- 6 scallions chopped thinly

2 large carrots grated

1/2 red bell pepper sliced very thin and diced small

1 large handful of snow peas sliced very thinly (snip off ends if need be)

1 can organic garbanzo beans drained and well rinsed

1/4 c. or to taste sliced and diced jalapeno peppers, I use organic in jar with NO yellow dye!

1 handful organic dried cranberries ( or raisins)

8-10 seedless organic pitted dates

1 handful of pine nuts (you may substitute sunflower seeds)

 

1/8 or so cup of organic black sesame seeds

4-5 beautiful heads of calendula flowers if you are fortunate enough to have some.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For your slaw the Trolls highly recommend all your ingredients be at room temperature and I agree; it really does make a difference and you will find that warm cabbages are more welcoming of the oil and vinegar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With clean washed hands do as the Trolls do and mix all of the above slaw ingredients (except black sesame seeds and calendulas) together in a large bowl. Set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right BEFORE you are to serve your slaw, whisk your dressing and drizzle on slaw, tossing and turning to coat all ingredients evenly using two wooden spoons.

Dressing minutes before serving prevents the slaw from becoming soggy, (unless you prefer soggy slaw of course). Trolls prefer their cabbage crisp.

Lastly sprinkle on your sesame seeds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, if you happen to have calendula flowers, which are edible by the way… snip off 5 or so flower heads and gently but firmly pinch off only their petals then sprinkle petals atop your Troll Slaw as a lovely garnish.

Nora Russell Troll is a romantic and always looking for ways to make William Edwin smile. Sprinkling on the edible and cheery calendula flower petals is a very special way of expressing her love for him.

I think after you try this recipe you will have a whole different appreciation for Trolls, because Troll Slaw is REALLY good….Trolly good!

Enjoy

Click on the above link to hear William Edwin Troll play his beautiful Marguerite Waltz for Nora Russell as she prepares his slaw.

William Edwin Troll on violin and Beyla Troll accompanying on piano.

I suggest you play this as you prepare your own Troll Slaw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Fairy Fun Facts:

William Edwin Haesche (born in New Haven Ct on April 11, 1867 ) was an American composer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gr. Uncle Will co-founded the New Haven Symphony Orchestra where he played first violin and conducted the People’s Choral Union, a choir of 250 voices. In 1903 he became instructor of instrumentation at Yale University. At the end of his life he taught violin and music theory at Hollins College in Roanoke Virginia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He wrote a number of works for orchestra, chamber music and songs, as well composed choir pieces. Will composed “The Marquerite Waltz” for viola and piano. In 1890 he married Gr. Aunt Nora Helena Russell, a noted soprano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Together they created their own great story of music, love and companionship.

 

 

Live now the stories your children and their children will later tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The possibilities are endless.

 

 

Which way to Fairyland?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In late July the lovely green wide leaved annual herb Basil tastes especially fine and we traditionally make pesto to freeze for the winter months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I plant our Basil in mid to late April from seed in my greenhouse and transplant the seedlings come late May into raised beds nestled up to colorful Cosmos Flowers; dry seeding Hollyhocks and lettuce. We like harvesting basil to use in salads, tomato dishes, soups, stews and stir fries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing to make some fresh Home Place Fairies Pixie Pesto a granddaughter removes Basil leaves from their stems and sets them aside. Then we begin gathering together our ingredients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Place Fairies Pixie Pesto

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups packed full of fresh Basil Leaves, rinsed if needed, and stems removed.
2. 4-5 cloves of Fresh Garlic
3. 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
4. 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
5. 3/4 – 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
6. 1/2 cup extra virgin Olive Oil
7. Salt a wee bit to taste (and maybe Pepper)
8. Optional you could apply a small squeeze of Fresh Lemon, just a tiny nip!
9. Many folks add a tablespoon of melted butter, I generally don’t but you can

 

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a food processor or a blender. (I use a food processor) and blend on low speed, then medium, then high. Sometimes the basil leaves bunch up in which case, turn off your machine and rearrange the ingredients with a wooden spoon so blade will move more effectively. Blend until everything turns into a smooth paste. Presto! That’s it! That’s your pesto!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many delicious ways to serve Pesto. You can simply smear your Pesto on crackers or toast and top with freshly harvested cherry tomato slices. Try topping this with sprinkles of goat cheese and pinched tiny basil leaves and florets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can serve Pixie Pesto over cooked pasta, smear on roast chicken, fish or chops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pixie Pesto can be frozen for a late winter treat. I like to freeze my basil in little heart ice cube trays, or heart shaped baking sheets, or simple ice cube trays will do. Just smear Pixie Pesto into your tray, place in freezer uncovered and wait until frozen then remove and place in freezer proof ziploc bags, return to freezer for later use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We might toss 6-8 (or more or less) frozen or thawing hearts onto a dish of hot pasta depending upon how much Pixie Pesto we are craving.

Yum!

 

 

A hot July afternoon is the perfect time for hosting a fairy tea party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Place Fairies are generous and kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They know that gentle acts of kindness reach far and wide.

What touches one, touches all.

 

“If you want to go fast

Go alone.

If you want to go far

Go together.”

 

African Proverb and Fairy Proverb too!

 

 

 

Hidden somewhere deep within an Enchanted Forest on the north side of a small mountain in Maine,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An ancient oak tree grows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deep within the hollowed heart of this tree lies Sacred Chambers,

The secret home of the Home Place Fairies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At her base an alter stands holding precious stones, feathers, tokens and gems, all gifts from believers to the Fae.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are out searching for Fairies I do not think you will find them because they are always one step ahead of you and looking your way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Place Fairies possess the ability to shape shift, which means when the occasion suits them they can increase in size to that of mortal children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They also possess powers of partial and total invisibility.

Often times they choose to make their wings invisible to the human eye, this way they can walk among mankind undetected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you should go seeking Fairies some fine day just remember they are out there and watching you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Horse with Nightingale and La Rosa.

 

 

 

Late June through July is when Foxgloves bloom here in Maine, a favorite plant of the fairy folk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tall, lovely plants they are biennial, which means they bloom the second year when started from seed and then their life cycle is completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here at the farm I gather seeds once the blossoms have dried on the stem, sprinkling them here, there and everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

The scattered seeds settle on the ground; when  summer draws to a close fairies gently tuck them into the soil where they will rest through the winter. The seeds will “slumber” beneath dried leaves and deep snow, sprouting the following spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first year foxglove seedlings will grow lush green foliage but they will not produce a single flower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is during the second year of their life cycle that Foxgloves grow tall bursting into full blooms.

The fairies all the while continue to sprinkle them with magical dust, nourishing and encouraging the plants to grow.

 

 

 

 

Early in the morning the Home Place Fairies Nightingale, La Rosa and Delphinia affectionately greet Old Horse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Horse is their companion; the loyal guardian of all the Home Place Fairies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through the long cold months of winter Old Horse stands vigil guarding the entrance to the Fairies secret woodland chambers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Horse was long ago enchanted by the Home Place Fairies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and though Old Horse ages, he never grows old.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bond between Old Horse and the Fairies is very strong. Forged from integrity and respect as well as love and commitment the bond has solidified, becoming everlasting; suspended in time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the earliest hours of each and every August morning before humans are awake, the fairy folk greet Old Horse with hugs and kisses, showering him with fairy dust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later in the day when an old friend comes to visit, the fairies will have left the stable yard and gardens for the shade of the Enchanted Forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Horse will greet Nina who being magical herself in a Nordic gardening kind of way will never let on that she can see the fairy magic that  surrounds her dear old friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Together they will reminisce about the past as they walk into the Future of Possibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Place Fairies are always on the lookout for new and illuminating discoveries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They search way down low, sprinkling nourishing fairy dust, encouraging the smallest of flowers to blossom and grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fairies flutter up high into the tallest of trees where wondrous beings hover and fly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Don’t you know everyone has a Fairyland.”

      P.J. Travers