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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume IV, Issue II Page 15 May 1, 2001 Dandelion Time! By Shanna Francis Recipes of the month from BIRDS & BLOOMS Dandelion Salad Ogden Valley News Staff What would spring be without dandelions? Why not enjoy these persistent “weeds,” if you can’t completely eliminate them from your garden or yard? In the article “Dig Up Something ‘Dandy’ for Dinner,” found this spring in the magazine Birds & Blooms, the author gives some insightful information and tips on making the most of this spring and summer visitor. Did you know that dandelions give you more vitamin C than tomatoes, more vitamin A than carrots, and just as much iron as spinach? According to the article, for a flavorful and healthy treat, it’s best to use dandelion leaves in early spring, before the first flower buds appear. The leaves are the most tender and flavorful at this time. Once the dandelions bloom, try using the buds. Young buds can be boiled and buttered, pickled, or even sautéed. Dandelion Jelly can also be made from the blossoms. Supposedly it tastes a lot like honey! By a one in a million chance and fluke of nature you don’t have dandelions in your yard? No problem, try cultivating horticultural varieties of dandelions. These varieties can be more tender, leafy and mildly flavored. More tips: Wash dandelion greens carefully to remove insects and soil from the undersides of the leaves. Dandelion leaves may be used as a substitute in recipes calling for chicory, arugula, escarole or curly endive. Lemon helps mellow the hint of bitterness common in dandelion greens. Use dandelion blossoms immediately after picking because the flowers will close quickly. Send us your favorite recipe. Mail to: OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 Tips For Turning Dinnertime Into Quality Time Recipe of the Month 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cider vinegar or lemon juice 2 cups young dandelion leaves ¼ cup sliced green onion or leeks 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and sliced ½ cup grapefruit or tangerine sec tions or mandarin oranges Dandelion blossoms may also be added. By Kathy Peel (NAPSA)-According to a recent survey, 93 percent of moms think dinnertime activities—parents and kids working as a team to prepare food and enjoy it together—are a very effective way to forge family bonds. Here are some ways to help make them happen at your house: In a small bowl, whisk oil and vinegar. Combine dandelion leaves and onions; and dressing and toss to coat. Arrange on two salad plates; top with eggs and fruit. Garnish with dandelion blossoms if desired. Dandelion Jelly 2 cups dandelion blossoms 1 quart water 1 package (1 ¾ ounces powdered fruit pectin 5 ½ cups sugar 2 Tablespoons orange or lemon extract 4 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional In a saucepan, bring dandelion blossoms and water to a boil; boil for 4 minutes. Strain through a damp jelly bag or cheesecloth, reserving 3 cups liquid. Discard the blossoms in a large kettle, combine dandelion liquid and pectin; stir well. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute; stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; add extract and food coloring if desired. Skim off foam. Pour the hot liquid into hot sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Adjust prepared lids. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water bat. Yields about 6 half-pints. LENDER SAYS SELL FAST!!! Valley Junction - Eden, Utah (2550 N 4825 E) Prime Retail & Industrial Lots From $1.75/sq.ft. Lot Size From .50 - 2.19 Acres. Reclaim the family dinner hour. Decide to eat together certain nights each week-and do it. Cook smart. Develop a repertoire of easy meals, and keep the ingre dients on hand. Don’t let compli cated recipes and menus limit the time you have with your family; it’s more important to eat together than eat elaborate meals. A great solution is one of the meal-in-thebox products, such as Lipton Sizzle & Stir, that offer a complete balanced dinner cooked and ready to eat in 30 minutes or less. Assign everyone a job. Cooking and working cooperatively with other family members teach kids responsibility and important skills they’ll use the rest of their lives. Even young children can take partsetting the table, tearing lettuce, etc. It’s important that they feel included. Maximize teachable moments. Think of your kitchen as a class room where you can enhance your child’s intellectual development. For example, measuring ingredi ents for recipes requires math skills. Dinner prep time is also a great opportunity to teach children about safe use of appliances and equipment. Think (and talk) positive. Ban crit ical words and arguing at the table. Avoid disciplinary discussions that could be handled at another time. Praise team members for their efforts in getting the meal together and cleaning up afterward. Focus on family. According to the survey, conducted by Lipton Sizzle and Stir, 84 percent of families talk about “the kid’s day” around the dinner table. Showing interest in a child’s world is a great way for parents to express their love and promote bonding. Cut off the outside world and let the answering machine take charge of phone calls. Turn off the TV. Create a pleasant dining atmos phere. Don’t reserve ambience for guests or celebrations; serve it with every meal. Predetermine and post menus. Decide beforehand and let family members have a say. Post the weekly menu so the first person home can get that night’s meal started. Be prepared. Keep an ongoing grocery list so everyone can record needs. When preparing dinner, have one family member check on staples and add them to the list. Clean up as you go. Start and finish together. Make sure everyone who is at home is seated at the beginning of the meal. Kathy Peel is the founder and president of Family Manager, Inc., a company committed to providing resources to help families make their home a good place to be. What’s cooking? Family meals that are prepared and enjoyed together. Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $15.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates Refinance or Purchase Now! ACT NOW! Call Marino (801) 721-3110 Since 1977 R E A L E S T A T E B Y M A R I N O (801) 476-3300 www.realestatebymarino.com |