Darling Dandelions…Not Just a Weed!
I’ve always been fascinated by herbs & gardening. I’m on a quest to learn as much as I can about edible plants in my own surroundings. So when I found out that the common dandelion was so versitile, I was quite happy! I have always loved the bright sunny little flowers, as I’ve always thought of them as drops of liquid sunshine…& I have ALWAYS abhorred the practice of putting down weed killer in lawns to destroy them. Besides putting harmful chemicals into the soil & water, I’ve always thought there HAD to be a reason God made them so abundantly available. I’ve always heard of dandelion wine, but since I don’t drink, that never interested me. However…when I read that the leaves, flowers, & even the roots are edible, I just had to find out more!
Mind you, I’m still in the learning stage, but yesterday, the kids & I picked an entire basket (about 4 or 5 quarts, I’m guessing! I used a BIG basket!) & made lots of yummy things! We made dandelion lemonade, dandelion tea, & dandelion fritters! The kids LOVED everything too! Even the neighbor kids enjoyed some! Unfortunately, the only photo I remembered to take was of our lemonade….hopefully I’ll be better prepared in the future! 
I found a few great websites that have lots of information. My favorite by far is this one: http://www.prodigalgardens.info/dandelion%20coffee.htm and I am bound & determined to make the dandelion coffee too! Just as soon as I can get enough roots! ((They are VERY difficult to dig up!!! However, I’m stubborn!!! :P))
Here are just a few more to whet your appetite!
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Web%20Recipes/Recipes%20Pag e.html#Anchor-Dandelions-11481
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/dand elion.html
