Tasty Fried Dandelion Blossoms

Farm Friend Friday ~ http://www.verdefarm.com/

Each Spring these beautiful yellow blossoms start popping up everywhere , dandelions are probably the most well known wild herb. But most people consider the plant a nuisance and unsightly on their well manicured lawns , that's a shame. Dandelions are very nutritious and can be used medicinally for many health problems. If you would like to read more about their nutritional value and medicinal properties , click here ~ http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Dandelion.html ~. Today I'm sharing a recipe I tried for the first time last Spring and they're absolutely delicious. Dandelion blossoms should be gathered in the middle of the day when they are fully open and dry. You should always harvest from areas that haven't been treated or sprayed with chemicals. You may get a few bugs as you gather , so be sure to wash well. I bring them inside and emerge in a bowl of water for a minute , make sure you remove any bits of stem that may be attached ..........................

spread them out on a cloth and let them drain while you're mixing up your batter.

You'll need .......

1 egg

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup milk

Cooking oil

Add the 1/2 cup milk to a bowl , add egg and whisk well , add your favorite type of flour and whisk. You can add salt and pepper if you like , it's optional.

Dip dandelion blossoms in batter , cover completely .......

I use olive oil to fry , but it should be heated on a low heat , my oil got to hot the first time I made these. Start on med-low heat , watch closely , you may to need to adjust heat depending on your stove. Drop your battered dandelion in and let them cook until browned on each side. Remove from oil and drain on paper.

Fried dandelion blossoms are delicious with your favorite dip , we love them with ranch dressing. They're also good as a dessert , served with honey , maple syrup or my shag bark hickory syrup for dipping.

Hope you'll give them a try , I think you'll like them.

~ Farm Friend Friday Blessings ~

JoyceAnn

Nature Walk ...............................

I took a nature walk Monday and found this little bird nest , the bird family had moved on and left it's wonderful creation.

We've had enough rain in the last week , that mushrooms are popping up everywhere. Although I can't identify them and wouldn't put them on my dinner menu ..............................................

I do enjoy their magical beauty ............................


the different textures and colors .................

and their natural surroundings.

I don't know what this plant is called , but it sure is lovely.

The sweet goldenrod is starting to bloom and the pokeweed berries are turning dark. I know Autumn is not far away when I see this happening.

The Plantain seeds are turning brown , they're almost ready to harvest.

And I found a new Yucca sprout that is thriving since it's been so dry and hot this Summer. I need to put something around it , so hubby doesn't mow it down. He doesn't have the same fondness of these so called weeds that I do (LOL).

Have you taken a " Nature Walk " lately ?

~ Natural Blessings ~

JoyceAnn

~*~ Dandelion Stir Fry ~*~

The May issue of Herbal Roots is all about those wonderful Dandelions. Check it out , you maybe interested in buying this months issue of Herbal Roots just for the info on dandelions , here's the link ( http://fieldoftansy.blogspot.com/2009/04/herbal-roots-may-2009-issue.html ). Please add my name as a referral , if you purchase. I'll be gathering more dandelion greens today , before Dh mows. This Dandelion stir fry is delicious , thought I would share the recipe.

Dandelion Stir Fry

3 boneless chicken breast or pork tenderloins cut to bite size pieces

2 cups or more of dandelion greens

1 or 2 cloves of garlic

1 small red onion

Crushed red pepper

Sea salt

Olive Oil

Add washed dandelion leaves to a pot of water and cook 10 minutes , drain water. You may want to boil a second time if they're bitter. Saute red onion in olive oil , remove when tender and browned as you like. Add minced garlic cloves to oil , saute to they turn clear , add chicken or pork to sauteed garlic and stir-fry until done. When chicken is done , add dandelion greens , caramelized onions , sea salt and crushed red pepper to your liking. Continue stir-frying until greens and onions are heated through. I have served this stir-fry over rice and angel hair pasta , it was delicious both ways.

~ Dandelion Blessings ~

JoyceAnn