What can these strange things be.

[mrsflibble]

cut one open, are they white inside? if so eat them, they're puffballs. if they're black inside throw them away as they'll be "false" puffballs and can make you ill.

[eccentric_emma]

wow! I've always wanted to find some of these looks like you have a great haul!! *jealous*

[Green Aura]

As per Mrs F, plus if they're yellow inside they're starting to rot and will give you bellyache.
Slice and shallow fry them, or stuff them. Mm mm.
Maggie

[gdb]

these were quite common in france. great to eat when fresh - as others have said.

but with a new mushroom you should always have just a little bit at first in case they dont agree with you. (i eat shaggy parasol mushrooms - no problems - but they make a friend of mine quite ill).

[mrsflibble]

and they're puffballs and don't agree with you so you can't eat them, package them up and post them to me 'cos I love the things lol!!!

great if you fry some bacon, chuck in the puffballs and eat in a freezing cold,wet field. puffballs were the highlight of my childhood camping trips lol!!!