Cooking with flowers is a creative and culinary delight. I’ve at all times been smitten with the magic of flowers. Enamored, infatuated, besotted with the attract of one thing so ephemeral however resonant, an natural focus of magnificence whose presence captures the marvel that nature alone can create. During the summers in faculty, I labored as a floral assistant, collaborating with the blooms and stems I’d come to like. But it wasn’t till a yr or so in the past that I shifted gears and started cooking with flowers in earnest.
It started with nasturtiums. I cherished topping my pizzas with their shiny, peppery chunk and seeing their vibrant, summery hue tossed into salads. From there, my obsession solely grew, and shortly I used to be dotting my strawberry shortcake with tiny petals of chamomile and adorning buttery shortbread with violets. The world of cooking with flowers is huge and huge—and it’s a fact Cassie Winslow is aware of effectively.
A baker, blogger, and energetic caretaker of her edible flower backyard, Cassie is inspiring us all to attach with the enjoyment of cooking with flowers and to return this close-to-the-earth way of living to the forefront of our focus. Now the author of two books, Floral Provisions and Floral Libations, Cassie’s artistry is a sight to behold and her recipes a delight to be savored.
I sat down with Cassie to speak about all issues cooking with flowers—from the most effective blooms to work with to suggestions and methods for retaining your flowers recent. If your cooking routine may use a refresh, prepare for all of the inspiration you can ever want.
Could you share a little bit of the historical past of bringing flowers into our meals?
Many cultures have been utilizing flowers in meals for hundreds of years. I’ve learn that utilizing edible blooms in cooking dates again to early historical past when Romans would use them in salads. For additional studying on the historical past of edible flowers, I simply acquired Gerald’s Herbal by John Gerard, and I’m excited to review extra.
Get the recipe for cassie’s plum and Lavender Clafoutis
What flowers can be used in cooking and baking?
I love using organic dried edible flowers in recipes as they have a long shelf life, are easy to source, and stand up well to baking and cooking. There are many edible flowers and I’m always discovering new varieties, but my favorites (and the easiest to source) are:
- Roses. They vary from source to source, and of course, depend on the variety. Overall, they tend to be fragrant and sweet, and some can even lend a pleasant bitterness.
- Chamomile. These small blooms have an earthy flavor and complexity that reminds me of honey.
- Lavender. Lavender is lovely and quite perfume-y, so a little goes a long way.
- Calendula. Calendula petals can be quite subtle in flavor with a slight hint of spice.
- Hibiscus. I only use hibiscus in its dried form. It has an absolutely stunning color and is very tangy and tart.
These all make delicious infused salts and sugars as well as syrups!
Do you have a favorite flower to use in recipes?
I would have to choose chamomile for many reasons. I have found that it’s the easiest dried organic flower to source. You can find chamomile tea nearly everywhere, and most of the time, the bags contain chamomile flowers only. It’s fabulous in both sweet and savory recipes and adds such a delicate floral flavor to all dishes.
I use it in chamomile salt, which can be sprinkled on homemade fries, chamomile simple syrup to use in cocktails or drizzle atop vanilla ice cream, and in whipped cream to serve with strawberry shortcake, a summertime favorite.
Get the recipe for cassie’s Strawberry and Rose Geranium Milkshakes
For someone who’s cooking with flowers for the first time, where would you recommend starting?
I have many pantry recipes in both of my books and have found that making many of those pantry staples to have on hand is the best way to incorporate edible flowers into everyday meals. For example, rose salt can be used to sprinkle atop a poached egg or chocolate chip cookies, or to rim the glass of your favorite margarita or even a glass of champagne. Lavender syrup can be used to sweeten your daily coffee, add to your favorite cocktail, or drizzle on top of pancakes.
How do you keep flowers looking vibrant and staying fresh?
Use a linen napkin to gently clean the blooms rather than rinsing to maintain color and shape. Store in the fridge and use as soon as possible, typically within a day or two depending on the bloom.
