Dandelion wine doesn't require any special equipment to make. Just dandelions, some sugar and yeast, oranges and lemons, and pots to boil water in. This recipe uses cloves, which I think gives it a nice touch. If you've got dandelions around, give it a try! Dandelion Wine Ingredients: 2 qts. Dandelion blossoms 4 qts. Water 8 Whole cloves ½ t Powdered ginger 1 C Orange juice 3 T Lemon juice 3 T Coarsely chopped orange peel 1 T Coarsely chopped lemon peel 3 T Lime juice 6 C Sugar 1 pkg. Dried yeast ¼ C Warm water Directions: Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Set aside.
Wash the dandelion blossoms well. Put them in the water with the orange, lemon and lime juices. Add the rinds, cloves, ginger and sugar. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for an hour. Strain through filter paper (coffee filters work great). Cool. While still warm (but not hot), stir in the yeast.
Let stand overnight and pour into bottles. Allow uncorked bottles to set in a darkened place for three weeks. Then cork and store bottles in a cool place. Makes about 4 quarts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: Choose dandelions from an open field far from any insecticide spraying. Pick early in the season when the leaves of the plant are still tender. Flowers that have just opened are best.