Dandelion Flower "flour"

Has anyone noticed that one of my all time favorite "weeds" is the dandelion? I have utilized this free-range vegetable in Jelly, syrup, fritters, salads, teas, greens, pasta, stir fry and even in bread.

Dandelion Bread

Spring dandelion blossoms. Amount? As many as you like. The dehydrated blossoms store well in jars.

• Rinse in cold water. Drain.
• Cut the yellow petals off using kitchen shears. I suggest doing this while watching a good movie.
• Dry the petals in a 1/4 inch layer on a drying rack . A clean, recycled fabric type window screen works well! Placing the petals on a screen in a vehicle with the windows closed will cut the drying time down and keep the petals from blowing away. Electric food dehydrators also work well. The dehydrated flower petals can be used as a thickener, tea and as a "flour" in pastas and breads.

Bread Recipe

5-6 Cups assorted flour

1 package Rapid Rise yeast or 1 1/2 Tbs bulk yeast

1 Tbs sugar. May be brown, honey, molasses, maple syrup

1/2 Tbs salt

2 cups warm water water

Directions:

Pour 2 cups warm water in bowl. Stir in yeast and sugar util dissolved.

Add 3 cups of flour one at a time and beat until smooth(whole wheat, spelt, unbleached white-your choice) beat well.

Add salt, stir.

Add 1-2 cups dandelion "flour". Stir.

Add 1 -2 cups additional flour to from a ball. If dough is too dry, add olive oil or softened butter. If dough is too moist, knead in more flour.

Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Place in lightly oiled or buttered bowl and cover. Allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Punch dough down. Form into round loaves and place on baking stone or oiled cookie sheet. May also be place in oiled bread tins or made into rolls. Cover and allow to rise until almost doubled.

Bake in 425 degree oven 25 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. 15 minutes for rolls.

Remove and allow to cool on wire rack. Freezes well!