Where to begin… Spring has sprung in our neck of the woods and I’m lovin’ it! The green, the sunshine, the flowers. Something sweet about dandelions I must add.
The grands and I were taking a walk this past week and we couldn’t help but take it all in. But the amount of dandelions that were out there, just couldn’t be ignored.
Before we start with our dandelion post I must warn you, if you don’t like yellow—you might want to skip this post!
Dandelions have magical healing properties and they’re totally edible. From the leafy greens to the flowers to the roots!
We decided they needed rescuing before they were mowed over! A dandelion lesson for the littles. They love helping and learning new things, as do I. Here was a perfect lesson on the power of a small, yellow flower!
Dandelion jelly
What to do with them?
The internet is such a wonderful tool and one that I love to resort to when I want to know “more of” anything. Y’all know I love making jellies and jams, so imagine my excitement when I read you could make dandelion jelly! I jumped on that wagon and lugged the littles along for the ride.
After collecting a huge bowlful, we started with removing the stems and green part and saving all the petals (which happen to be tiny)! We brewed a pot full of dandelion tea. Followed by removing all the petals a couple of times to remove all signs of dregs and have only a clear liquid for our jelly.
Sugar and pectin and lots of boiling only to have the first batch not congeal to my liking. So repeat and redo until I was super happy with the outcome.
Something sweet about dandelions
Can I just take a moment and say that this is magic indeed. The subtle and beautiful taste is AMAZING! I couldn’t stop licking the spoon after filling all the jars and I couldn’t wait for some hot biscuits to slather this golden, sweet addiction on.
There’s something sweet about jelly making…
see my mom was a terrific cook but other than her tomato jelly, she didn’t can any.
When I met my MIL and found out she made her own grape jelly from her homegrown grapes–I was a goner! I started reading and researching the art of jellies and jams.
I’ve been hooked ever since I concocted my first batch. Thirty five years later, I love trying different varieties and standing over a stirring pot, then waiting for those jars to “pop”! Sweet gratification!
Biscuits ensued with lots of spoon and plate licking. And seconds—oh my! To say the littles loved it would be an understatement.
To say I loved it… yes, I have found a new love.
This perfect little free gift from Mother Nature right in our front yard! A sweet yellow addiction~ who knew dandelions could be so good!
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Leave a Reply