The Tooth of the Lion a.k.a. The Dandelion

Much maligned, the dandelion exists in all of our backyards and fields. Only known now as a weed, the dandelion has long been a fantastic source of vitamin A (better than carrots), calcium and vitamin C. It is also proven as a blood purifier and aid to digestion, as with most bitter green herbs.

My family and I have collected dandelions every year, all summer, for several years. Our favourite is collecting the roots and roasting them in the oven for an excellent coffee substitute. This makes a brew so close to coffee (sans caffeine) that I once served it to my dad and passed it off as a specialty, vanilla coffee.

When we saw the field erupt with yellow, behind our new home, Judy and I quickly made a bet that the kids couldn't collect an ice cream bucket of flowers in under 2 minutes. To sweeten THEIR pot, we offered them a little financial bonus for each bucket. Well, 1/2 hour and $7.50 later, they had collected seven buckets full! And, Judy and I were left thinking "Now what!?"

So, as my gift to you, here is my very own recipe that I created for lunch. And, yep, it was excellent!

Smoked Salmon and Sharp Cheddar Omlette with Roma Tomatoes and Dandelion Flowers

2 eggs
1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
1/2 cup dandelion flowers (pluck the stem right to the bottom of the flower)
2 tbsp. skim milk
2 Roma tomato slices
2 slices sharp cheddar
salt and pepper to taste

Mix the eggs, milk, salmon and flowers in a cup. Spray a small frying pan with non-stick vegetable oil spray. Heat to medium. Pour mixture into pan and allow the bottom to set. Top with tomatoes and then flip the omlette. Fry until eggs are cooked through. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with cheddar just before serving. Have it open-faced on a slice of multi-grain toast with a glass of OJ.

And you thought I was just good-looking. :)

Going where called,
Eating dandelions along the way,

Doug

**NOTE** Be aware of where you are collecting your dandelions. If they are in a public place, they have likely been sprayed for weed control, or worse, peed on by Rover. If you know the history of your yard or greenspace, you will know whether the plant is safe. Avoid any plants that are spotted yellow or black and whose leaves are curled, wilted or other wise deformed.