Catholic Recipe: Nettles

The nettle has usually been connected with the feast of St. Patrick, March 17. He it was who blessed this prickly plant, pushing its young leaves through the stone walls of Ireland. He had known it by the romantic name of "Ivar's Daughter," and he blessed it as useful to man and beast. Gather young nettles for yourself in March or early spring. By all means wear gloves. Serve them as fresh vegetables.

DIRECTIONS

Wash nettles in salt water. Chop fine. Boil in water until tender. Season with butter, pepper and salt. Thicken with a little mashed potato or white cream sauce.