Dandelion Greens

April, 14, 2010

As everyone living around here knows, it has been a crazy winter with more snow than I care to remember. I am certain that the lingering winter weather has played a role and contributed to my latest food addiction: dandelion greens. I first ate dandelion greens many years ago as a language student living in Florence with my host family. The Nonna (grandmother) was a great cook and exposed me to many great things—fried zucchini blossoms, perfect gnocchi and of course, my beloved dandelion greens. Most people around here may say they are nothing but a noxious weed. For me, they are a delicious salad and remind me that Summer and warmer weather is really on its way. You only need to lightly dress them with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice and a touch of salt to have that perfect taste of summer any time.

There is an emotional connection to Italy and the Italians I feel every day working in my shop filled with Italian antique furniture. I love the lifestyle, the history, the people and yes, the dandelion greens . Aside from being nutritionally sound, they taste good too.

Hope you like our new website. We are busy trying to get pictures of our wonderful antiques and artifacts loaded. If you have any feedback (including dandelion green recipes), questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. We would love to here from you.

Mary