Shared recipes for dandelion jam, cider beans and another for rhubarb pie

  • By Sue Ade
  • Tuesday, June 28, 2016 5:18pm
  • LifeFood

It’s been several years since I first introduced you to Joan E. Aller’s “Cider Beans, Wild Greens, and Dandelion Jelly: Recipes from Southern Appalachia.” Since acquiring the book in 2010, I’ve kept the warmly written book nearby, not only because Aller’s recipes are good and her writings touching, but because I also just like looking at the book and its stunning images, by photographer Ben Fink. Finding the book in its customary place, like favorite photographs in their frames, or passed down heirloom knick-knacks on the shelf, is comforting to me and part of what contributes to making my house a home.

Few of us have never picked dandelion flowers for our mothers or received them as gifts from our children. For some they are merely the yellow flowery part of dandelion root leaves, a weed to be banished from our lawns and gardens, and for others, the edible makings for jam, salad and even wine. Loving the time-honored, down-home culinary traditions of the Appalachian people, Aller offers recipes for Dandelion Jelly, with a tip for collecting the flowers you may not have fully appreciated before, “If you can’t collect enough dandelion blossoms at one time, you can freeze what you collect until you have enough.”

In addition to the recipe for Dandelion Jelly, you might also enjoy the one for Appalachian Cider Beans. Made with sorghum syrup and apple cider, Aller recounts first tasting the “ol’ mountain” recipe in the “local gas station,” a place where “home cookin’” is often found.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

And, while we are relishing the deliciousness of vintage recipes, good cook and baker Sally Oelrich, a reader of this column in Kenai, Alaska’s Peninsula Clarion, shares with us her favorite recipe for Rhubarb Cream Pie, “an old recipe, probably 1950-1960’s, from a Betty Crocker cookbook.”

More in Life

A screenshot of a photo from the rescue's Facebook page shows Sushi, a cat looking for a home for over two years now. (Photo courtesy of Clear Creek Cat Rescue)
Southcentral cat rescue seeking foster homes, adopters for stray felines

In 2024, the organization helped rescue 589 cats.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: I should have known better

It all started off rather quietly.

Capt. Karl Kircheiß, a decorated German sailor, visited Steve Melchior in Seward in 1932.
Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 3

Stephan “Steve” Melchior sent a friend to Katherine to tell her that he had died in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Living like lambs (in the midst of wolves)

The only chance lambs have of survival is if they have a shepherd watching over them, guarding them, protecting them.

A healthy dose of shredded cheddar makes the veggies in this soup palatable even for the most sensitive diner. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Something warm and comforting

This mild and nutritious soup is full of fiber and vitamins, plus a healthy dose of shredded cheddar.

Forever Dance Alaska performers deliver a routine while walking with the 67th Annual Soldotna Progress Days Parade on Marydale Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
68th Annual Progress Days events to take place this weekend

The celebration includes events around town from Wednesday through Sunday.

Artist Ingrid McKinstry stands next to her current mixed media exhibit and her work available year-round at Fireweed Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ingrid McKinstry
An exploration of curiosity

Homer artist showcases new and previously completed mixed media pieces.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Attendees dance at Salmonfest in Ninilchik<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
Salmonfest to return for 15th year of fish, love and music

This year’s festival will take place from Aug. 1-3 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik.

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
Life in the Pedestrian Lane: AI or not?

AI is here to stay, for better or worse, and we have to recognize that there are limitations to its usefulness.

Most Read