By Jim McCaffrey

 If you are fortunate enough to live in Northeast Iowa as my wife, Brenda, and I do, then you have had the wonderful opportunity to experience the changing of seasons from summer into fall. An explosive collage of color descends upon the area as the flora metamorphoses from the greens of the past six months into its final hurrah before the harsh reality of winter arrives. Brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow merge into a kaleidoscope of panoramic splendor. Nature provides a unique setting of which one should take full advantage. So instead of being a horizontal couch slouch, unglue your hand from the remote, and spend a little quality time with your loved ones in the great outdoors. Leave the drone of ESPN behind, participate in one or all of the following activities, have some darn good fun, and then, we’ll do lunch.

The old saying, “The best things in life are free” is certainly applicable to Decorah and the surrounding area. There are miles of trails in its great parks. Hiking one of these numerous paths can be an exhilarating experience. It is also great exercise. Be sure to wear good shoes. High heels and flip flops can be disasters in the waiting; there are lots of ups and downs. A few years back, Brenda and I traversed these trails extensively as we trained to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon in one day. Ok, we were idiots, but our training trails definitely built the leg muscles we needed to accomplish that feat. The added bonus of hiking is just to be out in the woods enjoying nature. Breathe it all in. For me, a heightened awareness of my surroundings occurs when I’m out of my normal environment an in someone or something else’s. The solitude of the woods accompanied by the occasional bird twitter, a couple of squirrels chasing each other, a bright leaf or two falling, or a pair of red tailed hawks in search of a tasty mouse for their noon meal certainly tunes into one’s mind that we are just a miniscule drop in the pool of life. Actually, kind of humbling when you sit down and think about it.

Another great but lesser utilized outdoor activity readily available in Northeast Iowa is fossil hunting. The entire family can, pretty much, participate. My grandsons, who are five and six, just love to go. They have a big advantage over grandpa. Hey, they are short, sharp eyed, and quick to the find. Ah, youth! I started out as a child myself. The innocence and wonder of discovery still remains with me. Well, maybe not the innocence. Ok, I digress. Dry creek beds full of broken limestone are an ideal place to get started. Bring some sacks along to put your millions-of-years-old treasures in and wear “GOOD SHOES.” Move slowly scanning the rocks at your feet. Not only will you find fossils but lots of other interesting items. The last time I went was with my grandson, August. His bag contained some pretty important stuff. A few fossils, some pretty rocks, a lot of acorns, several abandoned snail shells, and a couple of fuzzy caterpillars to take home to mom and dad to put in jars with grass for the winter. Butterflies in the making. That plan was quashed, however, when we returned home only to find the crafty little rascals had made their escape. Other great places to find fossils are the sand and rock bars aligning both sides of the Upper Iowa River. With each new flood these rocks are turned over revealing a host of new finds. These areas are also great places to teach the young ones the art of skipping stones. Knowledge like this is always extremely handy.

My last favorite fall activity is hunting late-season mushrooms. This, of course, can be incorporated into the previous two forays. It can be a little dicey as well, so if you are not sure of a mushroom’s edibility, ask someone who does or just throw it away to avoid any problems. One of the easiest fall mushrooms to identify are giant puffballs. They are found growing on the ground in meadows and forests. They are round and I have found ones the size of a basketball that weighed up to 25 pounds. Make sure you only pick ones that look freshly white and are solid throughout when cut open. They have a wonderful earthy flavor. Cut them into steaks and sauté in butter and minced garlic. Heaven! Chicken in the Woods is another great fall mushroom in this area. You can find them mostly growing on dying or dead oak trees. They will be growing on the side of the tree about three feet up or so. They are bright yellow with maybe a little orange. They can get pretty large as well. 15 to 20 pounds is not unusual. Do not rip them off of the tree. Just cut close to the bark so it grows again the next year. A third option is found on Box Elder trees. These mushrooms grow in knotholes or tree injuries. They are known as elm mushrooms. Very edible and delightful. They look like common white field mushrooms and are a little milder. Sometimes they are higher up than you can reach, so you can work on your tree climbing skills as well.

As long as you are out and about separated from the idiot box, you might want to check the local farmers’ market too. Pick up some great fresh produce, use it in the following recipe, and grab a loaf of newly baked bread to accompany the meal as well. Whew! All this exercise has worn me out. I wonder if the Hawkeye game is being televised.

Jim McCaffrey is a chef, author, and co-owner with his family of McCaffrey’s Dolce Vita restaurant and Twin Springs Bakery just outside Decorah. He is author of a humorous cookbook titled “Midwest Cornfusion.” He has been in the food industry in one way or another for 40 years. Email him at mcdolcevita@gmail.com or visit mcdolcevita.com.

Mushroom Turkey Kabobs and Darlene’s Golden Rice

Mushroom Turkey Kabobs

2 lbs. fall mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 lbs. boneless turkey breast
1 T. sesame seed oil
4 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 cup orange juice
6 T balsamic vinegar
2 large onions, cut into 1/8’s
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 green peppers, cut 1“X1”
3 T. minced fresh chives ½ lb. cherry tomatoes

Cut mushrooms and turkey into bite sized pieces. In a large bowl mix Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chives, garlic, sesame seed oil, and orange juice for a marinade. Add mushrooms and turkey. Cover and chill 2-3 hours. Preheat BBQ grill. Have 12 metal or presoaked wooden skewers on hand. Thread with a piece of mushroom, turkey, onion, green pepper, and tomato. Twice for each skewer. Grill, turning skewers often, until turkey is cooked completely through. Serve with Darlene’s rice.

Darlene’s Rice

3 cups chicken broth
½ tsp. turmeric
1 ½ cups rice
1 ½ T. soy sauce
½ tsp curry powder
1/2 cup golden raisins 

Mix all dry ingredients in a large heavy duty pot. Add broth. Bring to a boil. Cover with tight fitting lid. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve it up! Delicious!