Dandelion Blossoms can be batter-dipped and deep-fried. They taste a lot like mushrooms when prepared in this fashion and are a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 30 dandelion blossoms (pick blossoms that are open but fairly young)
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• Deep fryer half filled with vegetable oil

Directions

Combine flour and whole milk. Mix thoroughly. Whip eggs in a separate bowl and then stir into flour mixture. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. Add a little more milk if batter is too thick.

Heat oil in deep fryer to 325 degrees F. Roll blossoms into batter and drop into deep fryer. Fry 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Blossoms will float to the surface when done. Place on a paper towel to drain. These taste best when eaten hot.

Source: Found in "Soul Food Recipes" by Willie Crawford

I haven't tried this. No dandelion blossoms here in FL, that I know about.

By Mary in FL from Cocoa, FL

Editor's Note: What a thrifty idea! Just be sure to harvest weeds from areas that have not been treated with herbicides or any other chemicals. Dandelion greens are also edible. Here is a recipe for cooking them:

• Dandelion Greens

If you have any recipes using the native "weeds" of your area or other things that people often throw out, please submit them here. You might be selected to win a prize of $25.00.

• http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml