Dinner tonight

mmm it was good!

Black eyed peas with green beans over rice, dandelion greens and fried dandelion flowers. Here's how it's done. Cook BEP's according to the directions on the bag. I like to do mine in the crock pot. Start them in the morning when I leave, they are ready when I get home. Easy Peasy. I dont season them at all while cooking. Then, I mix in some frozen green beans and simmer until it;s all done.

Next, the greens. I recommend collecting them from a pet-free yard. Also, be sure it;s a yard that does not get a fertilizers and pesticides. yuck! Ok, collect them, careful not to get too much grass. Greens are good, grass is not. Dandelion greens reduce signifigantly while cooking, so dont skimp on the picking. Once you have a LOT, wash them well. and loosely chop them. Add them to a big pot of salted boiling water. I like to add a clove or 2 of chopped garlic. Dandelion greens have the sharp flavor of mustard or turnip greens, but the delicate texture of spinach. The boiling and garlic helps to cut the sharpness. Another trick is to sprinkle them with a bit of vinegar, whatever kind you like. Boil the greens for about 5 minutes. Drain and enjoy.

Last, the dandelion flowers. Choose flowers that a large and completely open. Get a lot of them, these things are yummy! Take only the flower heads, no stems. Again, collect from a yard free of pee and poo. Once you've collected your desired amount, wash them off well in cold water. and let them dry a while on paper towels. then make your batter. I made mine with white four and soy milk. Just put about a cup or so of flour in a bowl and start mixing in soy milk until i have a very thick but smooth batter. I like to add salt and pepper to the batter too. now start adding your flowers. get them nice and goopy and drop them one at a time into hot oil. Fry for a minute or 2 on each side. You'll know when they are done. These taste a bit like fried brocoli, but with a slight pollen aftertaste. But not in a bad way, I swear! We love these, kiddos gobble them up and ask for more. enjoy!