Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Another Favorite Spring Edible Flower Shrub!

I grew up with a lilac bush under my window. It was wonderful this time of year. This is Syringa vulgaris or the common lilac. This one above is called 'Sensation'. It has a violet center with a white edge. It is not too fragrant, but it has that wow factor. I use it on dessert plates when entertaining. The Sensation needs to be pruned because it is reaching for the skies. You should prune it right after it blooms and take out about 1/3 of the older stems and let the young stems take over. This one below is my neighbor's. Don't know the variety. It seems to me that it is more white than purple. It has the old fashioned fragrance that reminds me of home and my grandmother. Lilacs have a variety of tastes, some good and some taste like metal. Hope you find one that is enjoyable to you even if you just use it as decoration on your dessert plates!

4 comments:

Comfrey Cottages said...

so the way to pick out a lilac bush that tastes good is to nibble your way through the garden center? lol no matter whether good tasting or not, aren't lilacs just a fragrance that evokes memories of gentle places, loving arms, and spring? love the idea of using it on the dessert plate! thanks for sharing nancy! big hugs to you!:)

Comfrey Cottages said...

found this lovely recipe!
Ingredients:
2 cups lilac buds and blossoms (no green part of flower)
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder


Turn this recipe into a puzzle! [click]


Directions:

Rinse lilac buds in water and let them soak. Beat eggs, mix in oil, sugar and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder.

Pour excess water off lilacs. Stir into batter. Pour in prepared muffin tray. Bake at 325degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.


This recipe from CDKitchen for Magnificent Lilac Muffins serves/makes 2 dozen

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Thanks for sharing as always. The muffins look wonderful. I'll let you know how they are!

Comfrey Cottages said...

cool! please do! :)