In support of not wedding your lawn

Now that its spring, this is the perfect recipe to support your case for not weeding your lawn.

Dandelion and Lettuce Salad
(courtesy of The United States Regional Cookbook, c 1947)

1 head lettuce
1 pint dandelion greens
4 small onions
1/2 green pepper
1/3 pound Swiss cheese
salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons vinegar
2 medium tomatoes, quartered
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced


Cut lettuce, dandelions, onions, pepper and cheese into small pieces. Add salt and pepper. Mix well. Add olive oil and vinegar. Mix thoroughly. Add tomatoes and eggs, mixing lightly so that they will not be mashed or broken. Serves 8 to 10.

I have to admit, this salad doesn't seem all that strange. Along with that admission comes this one. I have eaten sauteed dandelion greens. I don't recall exactly what they tasted like, but a neighbor gal, Jennifer, and I cooked them up one summer day many, many moons ago. So, while I'm not sure they'll take the place of frisee and radicchio, you are not armed and ready with a valid reason as to why you're letting the dandelions take over your lawn. Bon appetit!