The Weed That Feeds

The lowly dandelion--It's sprayed, pulled, dug up, and cussed out by the general population every Spring.  The fact of the matter is though you should be happy when you look out across that lawn of yours and see it dotted with those tell-tale bright yellow flowers.  The dandelion is actually a wonderful little plant that does not deserve the disdain it's subjected to.  The next time you come across a field of dandelions just take a moment to think about all the possibilities that lie before you.  Those flowers can be collected and made into beautifully sweet jellies, jams, and syrups.  In fact, their taste is easily mistaken for that of honey.  Those same flowers can also be fried.

A bowl of delicious fried dandelions

Some people compare the flavor to mushrooms, but I lean more towards fried okra.  Either way they are awesome!  Its blossom also makes for a fine Spring wine that can be made into something that resembles a dry white wine or a sweet and flavorful dessert wine depending on how much sugar you use in your recipe.  Their green leaves make a wonderful addition to a green salad and can be eaten both raw and boiled.  Though I've yet to try it, I've also read where you can take the roots of the plant and make an herbal coffee that both tastes great and is great for you.  For these reasons, I say give the dandelion  a chance.  It is after all the weed that feeds!!!

Fried Dandelions
2 quarts of dandelion flowers
2 cups of flour
2 tablespoons of salt
1 tablespoon of black pepper
4 eggs
Grease
Cast iron skillet

1.  Pick dandelion flowers.

2.  Put them in water mixed with a tablespoon of salt and allow them to sit for at least 10 minutes.  This will insure that the blossoms are insect free.

3.  While the blossoms are soaking, mix the flour with black pepper and remaining salt (1 tablespoon) in a small bowl.

4.  In a separate container, lightly scramble the 4 eggs together.

5.  Heat the grease in the cast iron skillet.

6.  Rinse the flowers off with luke warm water.  This will clean the salt water off of the blossom and make them open so that they are ready for frying.

7.  Mix a handful or more of the dandelion flowers through the egg wash then through the flour mixture.

8.  When your grease is hot, gently drop in the buds until you have a pan full. 

9.  When the first batch is golden brown (which will only take a few minutes),  pull them from the grease and allow them to dry on a plate covered with paper towels. 

10.  Repeat the process until you have fried the entire batch. 

Enjoy!!!