Ireland's OWN: Culture

Celtic Cooking

Green Man Salad*

The Green Man, also known as the Leaf Man, May King, or Jack in the Green, is an ancient image of the Goddesses' consort. Today he may be found decorating the pillars of old churches and cathedrals where he peeks out from among the stone carvings of branches and leaves.

5 cups green leaf lettuce
3 cups fresh dandelion greens
6-8 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt to taste

Remove stems of greens and roughly chop leaves. Cut bacon into 1-inch square pieces and fry until crispy. Pour off the fat, reserving 1/2 cup. Add vinegar, sugar and salt to bacon and reserved fat and bring to a boil. Pour dressing over greens, toss and serve.

See also: Midsummer Solstice

*From Celtic Folklore and Cooking by Joanne Asala. Llewellyn Publications. 2001.