Food 
The Wonder of Edible Flowers in My Vegan Kitchen
Ever since I can remember, plant life has sprinkled a little extra magic in my days. Whether it’s the lush plants cascading over the edges of hanging pots that my mom, Sandy, loves or me getting innovative in my colorful, bold vegan kitchen. There’s something truly magical about weaving the beauty of flowers into my culinary creations. Edible flowers not only sprinkle vibrant colors and an essence of whimsy onto our plates but also enrich our meals with a slew of flavors and health perks, marrying aesthetics with nourishment in every bite.
Flowers like lavender, chamomile, and pansies turn a simple meal into a spectacle of taste and vibrancy. These blooms aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they challenge the conventional, inviting us to break boundaries in our herb usage and redefine what it means to eat wholesomely.
Exploring Lavender: Vegan Lavender and Lemon Cookies Recipe
Envision the serene vibe of lavender, encapsulated in a sweet, crunchy cookie. Lavender’s not just for essential oils or aromatherapy; it’s a culinary heavy-hitter that pairs splendidly with sweet notes, offering an intriguing hint of floral zest with a mysterious whisper of mint.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 2/3 cup (160ml) coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (6g) dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and lavender.
3. In a separate bowl, stir the melted coconut oil, sugar, almond milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet, flattening slightly.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Allow to cool to crisp perfection.
Enjoy a burst of lemony-lavender freshness with each bite!
Celebrate Chamomile: Refreshing Chamomile and Peach Sorbet Recipe
What’s more refreshing than a sorbet? Infusing it with the delicate, apple-esque flavor of chamomile elevates it into a sublime treat. This chamomile and peach sorbet embodies how simple ingredients can create a profound impact, perfect for soothing the end of a meal or a serene moment.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (570g) fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 2 cups (470ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (3g) dried chamomile flowers
Directions:
1. Boil the water and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Remove from heat, add the chamomile flowers, and let steep for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Strain the syrup to remove the flowers, and let it cool.
4. Puree the peaches and mix with the chamomile syrup.
5. Freeze in an ice cream maker as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Serve garnished with fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of chamomile flowers for an enchanting presentation.
Vibrant Violets: Colorful Pansy Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe
When I crave something light yet exciting, I turn to this radiant pansy salad with citrus dressing. Pansies, with their vivid hues, not only catch the eye but their mild, refreshing taste is a marvel in salads. They transform any plate into a vibrant canvas of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (70g) mixed baby greens (like spinach and arugula)
- 1/2 cup (50g) edible pansy petals
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the greens, pansy petals, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with the dressing and give a light toss.
This salad is not just a dish; it’s a lively experience, perfect for sparking conversations at any meal.
From the aroma-infused warmth of my kitchen to yours, playing with petals is more than just cooking; it’s about exploring the art of flavors. Dive into these botanical dishes and let the enchanting world of edible flowers bloom in your recipes too! Feel free to share your experiences with edible flowers in your culinary ventures. Let’s keep our kitchens blossoming with creativity and flavor!
If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
