Most of us realize that lilacs come in many beautiful colors these days and, with minimal care, can grace your yard for many years to come. Something many people do not realize is that it may take several years for your lilac plant to bloom the first time. I nurtured one for several years, and almost decided to replace it with something that would “bloom” for me, when it finally rewarded me with gorgeous, deep purple blooms.
Lilacs are not only beautiful to look at, but also a treat to eat. If you grow lilacs, enjoy them to the full; smell them, look at them, and use them to perk up an everyday lunch or even an elegant dinner.
Try making Lilac Sandwiches by mixing a half cup of broken up lilac blossoms with 4 ounces of cream cheese. Spread on dark bread and garnished on the side with a fresh sprig of lilac, these sandwiches will impress and entice the pickiest eater.
A tasty lilac sorbet can accompany the sandwiches by stirring ¼ cup of sugar and ½ cup of lilac blossoms, broken up and with stems removed into 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. After mixture has cooled, pour it into an ice cream maker and finish according to manufacturer’s sorbet directions. Use an ice cream scoop to make uniform dishes of sorbet.
Tired of plain or ordinary fruit flavored yogurt? A handful of lilac blossoms stirred in will make everyone sit up and take notice. Or dazzle dinner guests with a dollop of lilac whipped cream on top of a regular dessert. Just whisk two or three lilac blossoms into your regular whipped cream and it will not only look good, but taste good and smell good.
Lots of amateur wine-makers have had wonderful success using lilacs for making wine, and many homemakers enjoy turning their gorgeous blossoms into lilac jelly.
For recipes for these, or many other interesting lilac delicacies, do a lilac recipes search on Google and you will find far more than you will ever be able to use.
If you are really adventurous and want to try other edible flowers from your garden, either of these Amazon books are a good place to start.
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