Forage for local food

This little overlooked flower is often thought of as a pest or weed. It's not, you've just been missing out. Foraging for local food is a great way to get back in touch with what is edible. Dandelion greens (thick leaves) are delicious too in a salad or steamed. Make sure that you're foraging out of the range of weed killers and pesticides.

Fried dandelion blossoms

36-48 large dandelion blossoms
1 cup flour
1 cup ice water
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tblsp egg replacer

Remove as much of the dandelion stem and greenery as possible without damaging the blossom itself. Heat oil (I prefer coconut oil) in a skillet on medium high. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add ice water and stir. Blend in egg replacer. Use tongs to submerge dandelion blossoms in batter and drop in hot oil. Fry in shifts.

In Chicago, vegan and don't have a lot of money to waste?

Check out the Chicago Vegan Co-op buying club to get discounts and wholesale pricing.  Buy in bulk or get your friends together and chip in on some Daiya Cheese for pizza night or pick up those great vegan hikers for the upcoming trek.  Saving money is fun and an ethical plant based diet should be rewarded.  Tell all your friends.

http://chicagoveganco-op.wikispaces.com/