The Drizzle

Thistle looked outside at the rain as it dusted her garden in a layer of sparkling dewdrops.

The small storm that she saw coming had been going for a couple of days now with no real sign of stopping. Sure, there was the occasional pause in the drizzle, but not long enough to see blue breaking through the stormy gray clouds.

This was unusual, and she knew it.

Although the Blooming Glade was used to its fair share of spring showers, especially when the seasons shifted to being properly spring, it had never come this early, nor had the showers been so consistent.

But what was especially concerning was how angry the showers felt this time, how they came with a bite. The rainwater that was usually gentle and cleansing, like a warm shower, was now pounding like a high pressure watering hose.

Lightning struck like a match.

Thunder roared like a mountain lion.

Strange. Strange. Strange, indeed.

The strangeness meant that there had to be an explanation. Thistle turned away from the storm and instead toward her library.

The one good thing about a rainy day like this was that it would give her plenty of time to sit down and read, and although she knew she wanted to cozy up with a book that would remove her from the anxieties she felt about this unusual storm, it was more important to turn to the archives of the Thicket and the Blooming Glade.

She brushed her hand across the spines of the books. She’d amassed quite a collection—books on celestial celebrations, encyclopedias on various flower species, and, for some reason, an entire journal dedicated to frogs. But none of them were on—

Wait!

A story of never-ending rainfall.

She hesitated before grabbing the book off the shelf.

"I don’t remember putting you here," Thistle murmured.

She decided that if she was going to sit down and read, she might as well put a pot of tea on to enjoy. Before heading to the hearth, she grabbed the encyclopedia of flowers as a treat to read afterward. With her books in hand and a warm cup of tea, she cozied up by the hearth’s glow. Something about the hearth always made it easier to ride out a storm—the warm fire reminding her that her toes wouldn’t stay cold forever. She began to read.

“Long ago, when the Blooming Glade was just a simple sprouting, there was a time when rain forced it toward abundant growth.”

Well, that’s not too bad, Thistle smiled. Abundant growth. She continued.

“The rain came early. The signs were clear. What seemed to be a simple storm ended up becoming so much more. Even in its early days, before the residents, the Glade nearly didn’t survive. The only thing to keep it going was—”

Thistle blinked and rubbed her eyes. The last few words on the page were completely smudged—waterlogged beyond recognition.

She sighed. A shiver ran down her spine. She felt the same anxious rush as when the storm first started—like buzzing bees in the pit of her stomach. If the Glade had nearly been lost when it was new, how could she protect it now—with so many residents, homes, and cottages carefully built by residents. Brick by brick. Would she be able to save their garden? Would the flowers even bloom this year? She pushed the thought aside.

"I have to remember—they survived," she told herself, steadying her breath. “And we will too.”

It was only then that she realized—the pit in her stomach might not have been from anxiety at all, but hunger. And since she wouldn’t be leaving the house today anyway, she might as well make something warm and comforting before continuing her book.

🥟Herbed Mushroom Hand Pies🍄

Little pockets of wild mushrooms

Recipe:

Recipe Information

⚠️ Contains Alcohol: This recipe includes a small amount of red wine to deglaze the filling. For an alcohol-free version, use vegetable broth instead.

Total Time: ~45 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Category: Forager’s Pockets – Savory Pastries & Pies

🥗 Dietary Information

✅ 🌿 Vegetarian
❌ 🥛 Not Dairy-Free (contains butter; can be swapped for plant-based)
❌ 🌾 Not Gluten-Free (contains flour and biscuit dough)

⚠ Potential Sensitivities

• 🔸 🧈 Contains Dairy (swap for vegan butter if needed)
• 🔸 🌾 Contains Wheat and Gluten
• 🔸 🍷 Contains Alcohol (red wine used in filling)

🌿 Substitutions & Notes

• Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version
• Swap red wine for vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol
• Premade flaky biscuit dough makes this a fast, cozy option
• Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or sage to the filling for added depth and magic

🍽 Ingredients

• 🌿 ½ small onion, finely chopped – For grounding and clarity in uncertain moments
• 🌿 2 tbsp butter – A protective, steadying richness
• 🌿 ½ tsp salt – Draws out moisture, clears what no longer serves
• 🌿 1 package mushrooms, finely diced – A lucky charm in uncertain weather
• 🌿 Splash of red wine or vegetable broth – To deepen and enrich
• 🌿 1–2 tbsp flour – Brings it all together, creates structure and readiness
• 🌿 Premade flaky biscuit dough – A comforting vessel for transformation
• 🌿 Extra butter for topping – A golden seal of bravery

🔪 Method

1. Make the Filling

• Chop the onion and add to a hot pan with butter
• Sprinkle in salt to help release moisture
• Wash and finely dice the mushrooms, then stir them in
• Let cook down until soft and aromatic
• Season until you're sneezin’
• Pour in a small splash of red wine or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan
• Slowly stir in the flour until the mixture thickens into a paste-like filling
• Let the mixture cool while you prepare the dough

2. Prepare the Dough

• Cut the premade flaky biscuit dough into circles using a sandwich crimper or palm-sized cookie cutter
• Arrange on a lined baking sheet, evenly spaced

3. Assemble the Pies

• Spoon about a tablespoon of mushroom filling into the center of each dough circle
• Fold into half-moon shapes and crimp the edges with a fork to seal
• Brush the tops with butter for a golden finish

4. Bake

• Bake according to biscuit dough package instructions—typically 350–375°F (175–190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp

✨ Best Enjoyed…

• As clouds begin to gather, grounding yourself before the storm breaks
• With the hum of rain outside, reminding you that courage can be quiet and flaky-crusted
• Warmed in a cloth on a walk, just ahead of the thunder
• Curled up indoors, deciding to try something new anyway—even if the timing isn’t perfect

🍽 Suggested Pairings

• Spring greens with lemon and chive vinaigrette – bright, brave, and refreshing
• Mug of mushroom or roasted garlic soup – double down on earthy comfort
• Sparkling lemonade with mint – for clarity and calm
• A small dish of mustard or vegan yogurt dip – a tangy contrast to the rich filling