We’ve all found the pesky plants in cracks of sidewalks, patios and gardens; basically, everywhere that they’re not supposed to be growing, but that they do.  In an effort to embrace the weeds in my life, I have come to some certain terms with dandelions.  And, as it turns out – they are delicious!

 Not to mention they’re good for you.

 With the spring rains, my love for flowers and all things green, I have made my dandelion jelly. And beyond the fun it was to pick those little sprouts from my untreated yard (and gardens) with my little man – this jelly is delicious!  Recipe follows:

 Dandelion Spring Jelly:

 1 quart lightly packed dandelion petals (just the yellow parts)

• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (you may opt out of the lemon and use orange – as I did)
  • ½ tsp. lemon (or orange) zest
• 5 ½ cups Sugar (I decreased this amount and only used 4 cups)
• 1 Vanilla bean, split – or – 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 (1 ¾ oz.) package dry pectin

 Using stainless steel, boil flower petals in 2 quarts of water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool, pressing liquid out of flowers, then restrain through a coffee filter to remove as much debris as possible.

 Measure out 3 cups of cooled liquid, add lemon juice, zest, vanilla bean (or extract) and pectin. 

Put mixture into jelly kettle (I used a medium sized pot) and bring to a boil.  Add sugar and mix well.  You want to stir and have at a rolling boil for 1 ½ minutes until mixture sheets from a wooden spoon.  Skim carefully; removing bean pod and pour mixture into hot, clean half-pint jelly jars. Add rings and lids. 

 Process in a water bath for 5-10 minutes.

 As an aside: dandelion concoctions using either the root, leaves, and/or flowers are loaded with vitamins.  From being one of the safest and easy to digest diuretics, dandelion greens are high in Vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

 So manga my friends – make friends with the little yellow flair in your yards and gardens (make certain that you are not picking from places that may have been sprayed with chemicals, insecticides, etc. – then pair the jelly with some biscuits and tea.