Flower Canapes

 

The  lovely flower canapés in the photo were created by my friend Sue Arnold. Along with being a creative cook, Sue is a Master Gardener, Gold Level and is one of my "go to girls" when I need garden advice.

She's an active member of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, Indianapolis Museum of Art's Horticultural Society, Central Indiana Herb Society, Friendly Garden Club of Brownsburg; and is employed part-time as plant specialist at Madeline Elder Greenhouse at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. When she's not volunteering or working in her beautifully landscaped yard, she can be found sipping iced tea and nibbling on these lovely canapés under one of her shade trees.

Sue says it's important to understand that not every flower is edible--some are poisonous--so be sure to do your homework before serving them to anyone. Use only organically grown flowers that have not been sprayed or exposed to chemicals. Take care to not serve them to children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. Also, use them sparingly as Sue has done in these canpes. I especially like to toss edible flowers in field greens salads that have been dressed with a raspberry or strawberry vinaigrette.

Click here for a very informative article about edible flowers including information about what they actually taste like--unfortunately, as pretty as they are, not all edible flowers are tasty!