Dandelion Recipes

[benshelpmeet]

Here are some great recipes for using up those healthy dandelions people call weeds in their yard. I cal them a blessing, because little people with little hands, and sweet little faces bring me a dandelion with a precious smile on their face, it warms my heart and makes me feel so special. Besides getting the pretty little flowers from special little people, I can also use these healthy little plants to eat.

Enjoy! ~ sister Darlene ~

Dandelion Recipes:

www.naturewatch.ca/english/plantwatch/dandelion/fun_facts.html

We all get lots of dandelions in the Spring. This is a Martha Stewart recipe, so it has to be good.

Dandelion Jelly

4 cups water
4 cups dandelion blooms (yellow and white parts only) (fresh picked)
1/4 cup + 1-1/2 tsp powdered pectin (such as Sure-gel)
4-1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Bring water and dandelion blossoms to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium
and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Strain through a fine
sieve into a measuring cup, pressing solids. Discard blossoms. (You should have 3 cups of
liquid; add water if necessary. Mix pectin and 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl. Bring dandelion
liquid and remaining 4 cups sugar to a boil in a large pot, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Add pectin mixture, stirring constantly to dissolve pectin and sugar. Add lemon juice, and boil 1 minute.
Skim foam from the surface. Let cool slightly. Pour mixture into an airtight container. Cover with a lid. Refrigerate till set, about 4 hours. Jelly can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
(This jelly does not require sterilization or sealing, but discard after 2 weeks in the fridge.)

I haven't tried this but it sounds delicious. The picture showed a jar full of beautiful clear yellow jelly.

[prv31wife]

I never thought one could eat dandy lions
My daughter brought me a bouquet of dandelions and I have them in a cute little vase. I'll have to try the recipes when I get brave enough

[7schmicks]

Freshly picked young dandelion leaves can be eaten in salad. Once in great while, I remember to pick a few to throw in one for myself. They are very nutritious and come free for the taking! After blossoming, I've heard they are more bitter, so I always look for small, new plants with little leaves.

My grandfather used to love the leaves boiled with a little salt and vinegar on them, but as a child, I found them too bitter and the vinegar too strong! My grandma would go out first thing in the spring and dig up the tender ones to fix for him. It makes me want to try some again, maybe mixed with some spinach or swiss chard, now that I am older and like things that are good for me!

Sister Brenda

[benshelpmeet]

I love these weeds in my yard!