Dandelion and Bacon Salad

• large handful unopened dandelion flower buds
• 1 bunch (about 2 large handfuls)

Wash the dandelion flowers and leaves and pat them dry between paper towels. Cut the bacon into small pieces, fry in a dry pan over a fairly high heat until crisp and then drain on paper towels. Toss the dandelion flowers in the bacon fat over a medium heat until the buds are just open, then drain on paper towels. Put the dandelion leaves in a salad bowl and mix in the fried bacon and flowers.<