Dandelions: blessing or curse?

The Spring dandelion invasion happened this week. They cover my backyard and look pretty with all the little flowers...but God, the weed part is so ugly. And they're a b*tch to dig up. Luckily I have a little contraption I bought years ago that's especially for weeding them, it's a lifesaver. It's backbreaking work to dig them all out but it has to be done or they'll take over for good. I saw once in Martha Stewart Living that you can use the blossoms to bake into your pancakes, LOL. I've never tried it, maybe I'll try it someday.