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Conference turris::cooks

Title:	How to Make them Goodies
Notice:	Please Don't Start New Notes for Old Topics! Check 5.*
Moderator:	FUTURE::DDESMAISONSec.com::winalski

Created:	Tue Feb 18 1986
Last Modified:	Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	4127
Total number of notes:	31160

4036.0. "edible flowers" by OOTOOL::THATTE (Nisha Thatte-Potter) Mon Mar 13 1995 12:17

I have a way to make crystalized edible flowers.  Has anyone ever done
this?  Is there anything special that I have to do with the flowers?
Any suggestions on good flowers?

I plan on looking in the library for books on edible flowers.  I think
pansies are edible and I thought it might be fun to grow some and try out
the recipe.  I guess you buy the flowers somewhere (other than whole
plants) but I doubt it will be easy. 

Thanks,

Nisha

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
4036.1		PENUTS::DDESMAISONS	no, i'm aluminuming 'um, mum	`Mon Mar 13 1995 12:32`	4
	I don't know anything about crystalizing flowers, but nasturtiums are easy to grow and prolific, with a range of gorgeous colors, and they're quite tasty.
4036.2		CSC32::M_EVANS	proud counter-culture McGovernik	`Mon Mar 13 1995 13:46`	6
	I know Pansies, violets, nastursiums, calendula, and any of the herb flowers are usually edible. could you share information on "candying" them? meg
4036.3	Crystallizing Flowers	OOTOOL::THATTE	Nisha Thatte-Potter	`Tue Mar 14 1995 08:34`	54
	I didn't want to admit it but it comes from Martha Stewart. I saw the show and they looked really nice. I've include the whole recipe. -- Nisha ****************************************************************************** Martha Stewart Living March 1995 Crystallizing Flowers --------------------- Make more flowers than you need, since they are quite fragile. Extras will keep for several months in a container in a dry place. Materials: Edible Flowers 2 small bowls 1 egg white or powdered egg white Superfine sugar Scissors Surgical tweezers Watercolor paintbrush Spoon Large Plate 1. Choose flowers for their color, taste and the firmness of their petals. Be sure to choose edible flowers for any use, culinary or decorative (check seed catalogues for information on edible varieties). Cut flowers just before sugaring, leaving stems intact, and keep in water until ready to use. 2. In a small bowl, dilute egg white or powdered egg white with water to a very thin consistency. Fill another bowl with sugar. 3. Cut stem off close to the base of flower. Holding base with tweezers, paint egg white mixture over entire surface of each petal. Then sprinkle sugar all over flower. Tap tweezers lightly with a spoon to knock excess sugar from flower. 4. Place sugared flower on plate, and lift it gently and frequently with tweezers to prevent petals from sticking until the begin to dry. Set in a warm, dry place for 2 to 4 days, or until crisp. NOTE: Raw eggs should not be used in food prepared for pregnant women, babies, young children, the elderly, or anyone whose health is compromised. Sources: Crystallized flowers, $3.50 for 1 sample flower; flower-preservation kit, $29, from Toni Elling, owner Meadowsweets; 4518-827-6477. Just Whites powdered pasteurized egg whites, $9.99 for two 8-ounce cans, from Fatwise; 800-773-8822.
4036.4		SOLVIT::ALLEN_R	on the point	`Tue Mar 14 1995 13:45`	5
	day lilies are quite edible. The Chinese use the unopened flower pods a lot. But I just munch them at any stage while in the garden. We have used elderberry blossoms in pancakes so I know they are good. rich
4036.5	Check with Local Florists too!	BIGQ::ZANNOTTI		`Wed May 03 1995 17:08`	12
	My sister-in-law just got married this past weekend and had the edible pansy's. A florist in Shrewsbury made them for her--they were beautiful. He stored them in small, round, clear plastic containers and placed them around the center piece. If you would like to know the florist's name, you can send me EMAIL: BIGQ::Zannotti. I wasn't sure if it's okay to mention the name in the notes file... Regards, Karima