Dandelions are the perfect example of "Food in Our Backyard". Since there are so many dandelions in the the spring and summer months, we thought this would be the most accessible and user-friendly option for our friends at New City Neighbors. This recipe is extremely versatile, but can be used with pasta, sandwiches, and salads. It is a great example of using materials from home to create new things.

• 3 handfuls of dandelions

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons pine nuts

• 2 teaspoons garlic salt

• Wash the dandelions and remove the roots and flower heads

• Chop or blend all dry ingredients together

• Add olive oil and crush all ingredients together with a clean rock to form a paste

• Serve with a meal, store in a container in the refrigerator, or freeze for long-term storage

Pumpkins seeds are a quick and nutritious snack to make that only require a few ingredients. To make pumpkin seeds, you need to first scoop them out from your pumpkin and separate it from the orange "guts". Once you've collected all your seeds, rinse them well with water and pat dry. Lightly coat the seeds with oil and seasonings of your choice. Evenly disperse the seeds onto a cookie sheet and bake them in your preheated the oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Every five minutes, stir seeds around to ensure even baking. Remove seeds when golden brown and enjoy once they are cool!