Dandelion Jelly

Dandelion jelly is a unique and delightful spread made from dandelion flowers. Despite being considered weeds in many gardens, dandelions have culinary potential, and their bright yellow petals can be transformed into a sweet and floral jelly.

To make dandelion jelly, you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of dandelion petals (make sure they’re pesticide-free)
• 4 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1 package (about 1.75 ounces) of powdered pectin
• 4 cups of sugar

Instructions:

1. Begin by gathering dandelion petals. Pluck the petals from the flowers, discarding the green parts, as they can be bitter.
2. Rinse the petals thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the dandelion petals and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the petals, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. You should have about 3 cups of dandelion-infused liquid.
6. Return the liquid to the saucepan and stir in the lemon juice and powdered pectin until dissolved.
7. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
8. Once boiling, add the sugar all at once, stirring constantly until it’s fully dissolved.
9. Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes longer, then remove it from the heat.
10. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
11. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
12. Wipe the jar rims clean, then seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings.
13. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
14. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

Dandelion jelly has a delicate floral flavor and a lovely golden color, making it a delightful addition to toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for meats. Enjoy spreading a taste of springtime on your favorite foods!

Have this recipe for Dandelion Jelly made before your next trip to Meramec Campground, that way you can enjoy it on your trip.