I need to prep some snails for the next round of escargot. I looked for snails in our test garden a couple weeks ago and after turning up nothing, was told that it was too hot. Apparently, snails don’t like 90 degree weather and go into hiding. Wimps! 

This week has been cool, so I thought my chances were much better. But after searching in a few pots and herb patches in our new and fabulous outdoor kitchen, I still couldn’t find any. Julie Chai, associate garden editor, said that it was the wrong time of day. 

Huh? What does that mean? The snails are on a 1:15 siesta? They all knocked off work a little early to hit happy hour? 

In my recent research of snails, I’ve learned that they were brought to North America in the 19th century (most likely by the French) as a delicacy and they are now just a nuisance in the garden, more times than not ending up smooshed underfoot. And now, when I’m on the hunt for them, they’re all MIA. 

I finally located a few hiding in the potted plants of our outdoor kitchen and washed them up. Just as before, they will be purged before I cook them. But this time, the cooking will be executed properly. (Read: I’ll try not to mutilate them like I did in the first attempt.)