Thinking about ... Dandelions

What child at some point doesn't proudly produce a bouquet of dandelions to someone they love?
Like childhood's innocence itself, however, the fondness of this bright wonder is left behind when we grow up and become adults. Suddenly this once loved flower becomes Enemy Number One. While children see the beauty, adults busy themselves ridding their lawns and gardens of them. They don't want these "noxious" weeds messing with their perfectly manicured lawns.
But why do folks hate these beauties when we can make all sorts of things with them ~ salads, soups, dandelion wine, cookies and more. Look at all the things you can make with dandelions. Then there are the apparent health benefits of these common flowers as well.

And did I mention cookies...?

Dandelion Flower Cookies
(from www.5orangepotatoes.com)
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup honey
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup dry oatmeal
1/2 cup dandelion florets**

**Tips for Removing Florets:

For this recipe you need to remove the florets from their base. Hold the florets with one hand and pinch the green flower base very hard with the other, give a little twist and that should do it.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Blend oil and honey and beat in the two eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, oatmeal and dandelion florets. Drop the batter by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and eat. Yum and so easy to make!

Next time you see cheery dandelions appear ~ before you grab your weed killer ~ consider the many good things that the lowly dandelion can be used for.