Gourmet Candied Edible Flowers
Transform your desserts into visually stunning masterpieces with these Gourmet Candied Edible Flowers. Perfect for garnishing cakes, enhancing cocktails, or adding a touch of elegance to your favorite tea, these delicate floral treats are not only beautiful but also offer a hint of sweetness. Made using fresh, carefully selected edible flowers, each piece is coated in a light, sugary glaze. With proper storage, these vibrant flowers can last for an entire year in your freezer, allowing you to showcase their beauty and taste any time of the year. For a fun twist, consider using flavored vodka such as cherry, raspberry, or strawberry to impart a unique flavor to your creations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg white (powdered)
1 (Use powdered egg whites to minimize the risk of salmonella.)
100 proof vodka (flavored, optional)
3-6 drops (Choose your preferred flavor such as cherry, strawberry, or raspberry.)
Superfine sugar (caster)
to taste (Use for dusting the flowers after coating with egg whites.)
Edible flower petals
30-90 petals (Use fresh flowers like violets, begonias, pansies, and more, depending on size.)
Instructions
1
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the powdered egg whites until frothy and slightly thickened, ensuring no lumps remain.
2
If desired, add 3 to 6 drops of flavored vodka to the egg whites to enhance the drying process and impart a subtle flavor to the flowers.
3
Using a thin artist's paintbrush, gently paint each individual petal of the fresh edible flowers with the egg white mixture, ensuring even coverage.
4
Immediately after coating, sprinkle the flowers with superfine sugar, allowing the sugar to adhere to the wet egg white.
5
Place the coated flowers on a wire rack in a well-ventilated area and allow them to dry completely. This process can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours depending on humidity levels.
6
For faster drying, consider placing the flowers in an oven with the pilot light on overnight or in an oven set between 150°F to 200°F (65°C to 93°C) with the door slightly ajar, checking frequently until they are stiff and brittle.
7
Once fully dried, carefully store the candied flowers in an airtight container, labeling them with the date. These treats can be kept in the freezer for up to one year to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Candied Edible Flowers?
Gourmet Candied Edible Flowers are fresh edible flowers coated in a light, sugary glaze, used to garnish desserts, cocktails, and tea.
How can I use candied edible flowers?
You can use them for garnishing cakes, enhancing the presentation of cocktails, or adding a touch of elegance to your favorite tea.
How long do candied edible flowers last?
With proper storage in the freezer, these vibrant candied flowers can last for up to an entire year.
What type of flowers are best for candying?
Fresh edible flowers like violets, begonias, and pansies are excellent choices for this recipe.
Why should I use powdered egg whites?
Powdered egg whites are recommended to minimize the risk of salmonella compared to using fresh raw egg whites.
What is the purpose of adding vodka to the recipe?
Vodka helps enhance the drying process and can impart a subtle flavor to the flowers.
What flavored vodkas are recommended?
Flavored vodkas such as cherry, raspberry, or strawberry are great options to impart a unique taste.
How much vodka should be added?
You should add between 3 to 6 drops of 100 proof vodka to the egg white mixture.
What type of sugar is best for coating the flowers?
Superfine sugar, also known as caster sugar, is best because it adheres well to the wet egg white coating.
How do I prepare the egg whites for painting?
Beat the powdered egg whites in a clean bowl until they are frothy and slightly thickened with no remaining lumps.
How do I apply the egg white mixture to the petals?
Use a thin artist's paintbrush to gently paint each individual petal, ensuring even coverage.
When should I apply the sugar?
Sprinkle the superfine sugar over the flowers immediately after coating them with the egg white mixture while they are still wet.
How long does it take for candied flowers to dry?
The drying process typically takes between 12 to 36 hours depending on the humidity levels in your area.
Can I speed up the drying process using an oven?
Yes, you can place them in an oven set between 150F to 200F (65C to 93C) with the door slightly ajar.
What is the pilot light method for drying?
You can place the flowers in an oven with only the pilot light on overnight to help them dry faster.
How do I know when the flowers are completely dry?
The flowers are fully dried when they feel stiff and brittle to the touch.
What is the best way to store finished candied flowers?
Store them in an airtight container, clearly labeled with the date, and keep them in the freezer for maximum shelf life.
How many petals does this recipe typically cover?
This recipe is designed to cover approximately 30 to 90 individual edible flower petals.
Can I use these flowers in cocktails?
Yes, they serve as a beautiful and sophisticated decoration for various cocktails.
Are candied flowers suitable for hot tea?
Yes, they act as a lovely tea enhancer, adding both beauty and a hint of sweetness to the drink.
What tools do I need to make candied flowers?
You will need a clean mixing bowl, a thin artist's paintbrush, a wire rack for drying, and airtight containers for storage.
Is the vodka mandatory?
No, the 100 proof vodka is an optional ingredient used for flavor and faster drying.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, as these are primarily used as decorative garnishes.
Can I use granulated sugar if I don't have superfine sugar?
Superfine sugar is preferred for its fine texture, but you can pulse regular sugar in a blender to make it finer if needed.
Where should the flowers be placed while air drying?
Place them on a wire rack in a well-ventilated area to ensure air can circulate around the petals.
Are these flowers safe to eat?
Yes, as long as you use fresh flowers that are specifically known to be edible and free of pesticides.
What is the preparation for the sugar?
The sugar is used to taste for dusting the flowers after they have been coated with the egg white mixture.
Can I use cherry flavored vodka?
Yes, cherry flavored vodka is a recommended option to add a unique flavor profile to your candied flowers.
How often should I check the flowers if drying in the oven?
You should check them frequently to ensure they do not burn and remove them as soon as they are stiff.
Can I make these ahead of time for an event?
Yes, because they last up to a year in the freezer, they are perfect for making well in advance.