DANDELION JELLY
2 c dandelion blossoms
1 qt water
1 pkg (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin
5 1/2 c sugar
2 Tbs orange OR lemon extract
4 to 6 drops grren food coloring, optional
In a saucepan, bring blossoms and water to a boil; boil for 4 minutes.
Strain through a damp jelly bag
or cheesecloth, reserving 3 c liquid. Discard blossoms. In a large kettle,
combine liquid and pectin; stir
well. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add sugar; return to a full rolling boil.
Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add extract and
food coloring if desired. Skim
off foam. Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Adjust
lids. Process for 5 minutes in
BWB. Yield: about 6 half-pints.
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DANDELION SALAD
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 tsp cider vinegar OR lemon juice
2 c young dandelion leaves
1/4 c sliced green onion or leeks
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
1/2 c grapefruit OR tangerine OR mandarin orange slices
Dandelion blossoms, optional
In a small bowl, whisk oil and vinegar. Combine dandelion leaves and onion;
add dressing and toss to
coat. Arrange on two salad plates; top with eggs and fruit. Garnish with
blossoms, if desired. Yield: 2
servings.
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DANDELION OMELET
1/4 c unopened dandelion buds
1/4 c chopped sweet red pepper
2 Tbs butter, divided
4 eggs
1/2 tsp water
1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
Dandelion blossoms, optional
In a 8" nonstick skillet over medium heat, saute buds and red pepper in
1 Tbs butter for 2 to 3
minutes; remove and set aside. In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 Tbs
butter. In a small bowl, beat
eggs and water. Pour into the skillet; cook over medium heat. As eggs set,
lift edges, letting uncooked
portion flow underneath. When the eggs are set, sprinkle with cheese. Spoon
dandelion mixture over
half of the eggs; fold omelet in half. Garnish with dendelion blossoms,
if desired. Yield: 2 servings.
Miriams Mom
(from the collector's edition of Birds and Blooms)
****REMEMBER: Make sure that any dandelions you use for these recipes have
NOT been treated with
chemicals!! Know where they came from, and KNOW WHAT WEEDS YOU ARE USING!