Year 1: The Dandelion & The Ant

Excerpt from essay on plant totems:

"I see the dandelion as a great potential totem. Their shear determination for success above all others is inspirational. I love the fact that they go out there and get what they want and hold on to what they have not matter what the weather. That they put all of their effort into strengthening their roots will still maintaining a pleasant exterior is amazing. I also like that even in death they give not only beauty but hope for future generations of their kind. The fact, that they can both repel and attract so many is interesting and something that I can identify with. That they are so versatile and useful is also a very admirable quality. I could easily see myself using the dandelion as a totem."


Cream of Dandelion Soup
8 ounces fresh Dandelion greens (12 cups loosely packed)
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional if broth is salty)
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup half and half or light cream
Garnishes Dairy sour cream, chopped hard-cooked egg or crumbled crisp cook bacon.
Cook the dandelion greens, covered in 2 quarts salted water for 10 minutes. Drain well.
Melt butter or margarine in a large saucepan. Add onion, cook until tender. Add chicken broth. Stir in dandelion greens and let simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
Blend or process one-fourth of the chicken broth/dandelion green mixture at a time in blender or food processor. Return to saucepan.
Combine milk and flour. Add milk mixture and cream to the soup puree in the saucepan. Cook and stir on medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook one minute more. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with sour cream chopped egg or bacon, and a few drops of lemon juice. Makes 6 servings

Great sources on information about the Dandelion:

"Dandelion." http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html.
2007.

"Dandelion Folklore." http://fohn.net/dandelion-pictures/folklore.html.
2005.

"Dandelions: Friend or Foe?." http://www.mygardensupplies.com/garden_tips_folder/dandelions.htm.
2003.


Saturday, May 19, 2007