Ready? Set. Play!

One of my favorite things to do in the Spring is wander about my garden and yard and search for things that are edible. Now that I am "ready," I then take those edible finds, bring them into my kitchen, get all "set" up and start to "play."

One of the ways you can get "ready" is by knowing what you have in your garden and yard. What I mean is, here in the East, we are blessed with many edible plants that grow wild. I have, for example, wild parsley, oregano, onions, dill, mint, violas, violets and lets not forget the ever-charming poison ivy. (Lets just NOT pick the last one okay?!) 

A few days ago, I did an internet search about lilacs and learned lilacs are, in the olive family and most certainly edible but may not be as tasty as they are beautiful. This morning, I harvested the last blossoms from my lilac tree's first bloom and placed them throughout our home. I brought a gorgeous bunch to work. I placed some in a tiny glass in our daughter, Mia's, room, to cheer and surprise her. But, 'What else can I do with these delicate, precious little gems?' I thought to myself. 
'Well,' I said to myself, 'Self, make Lilac Sugar!'

Making flavored sugars are a quick project and most any edible flower or herb may be used. What do you need besides said edible flowers, herbs and a bit of initiative? Simply; sugar, a baking sheet, parchment or waxed paper and a food processor.

Place the clean, stemmed, dry blooms or herbs in a food processor along with some sugar and blitz like you just don't care!
Remove the lovely, flavored sugar to a baking you have lined with parchment or waxed paper and spread it out to dry.
Toss it a couple times a day until it is completely dry and store it or better yet, USE it!

One use is to make a simple shortbread recipe (go on, use a store bought one, I won't tell) and sprinkle the top with the flavored sugar. You  will have something unique and fun you can be proud to serve or offer as a gift. 

So, get yourself "ready."  "Set" yourself up and for goodness sake, "PLAY!"