How to Cook With Edible Flowers: Creative Recipes by Philadelphia Chefs

Introduction to Cooking with Flowers

Blossoms have long enhanced the visual appeal of dishes such as salads and cakes. However, skilled chefs utilize edible blooms for more than decoration, transforming flavors through various techniques.

We explore how Philadelphia-based chefs Rhonda Saltzman, Makara Peng, and Randy Rucker integrate flowers into their culinary creations.

“The fresh flower is what most people think of,” says chef Randy Rucker. Dry, ferment or blend them for different flavors.

Rhonda Saltzman’s Jasmine Blossom Doughnuts

Rhonda Saltzman, co-owner of Second Daughter bakery in South Philadelphia, reimagines rich challah dough with her light jasmine blossom doughnuts. This recipe uses flowers in the glaze and as a colorful topping.

Ingredients for Dough

• 575g (4 ¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
• 120g (½ cup) water
• 150g (10 tablespoons) whole milk
• 85g (¼ cup) honey
• 35g (3 scant tablespoons) white sugar
• 75g (⅓ cup) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 5g (1 ½ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 5g (1 ¾ teaspoons) kosher salt

Ingredients for Jasmine Glaze

• 1,100g (9 cups plus 3 tablespoons) powdered sugar
• 120g (½ cup) whole milk
• 80g (⅓ cup) heavy cream
• ½ cup whole dried jasmine flowers
• 20g (1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons) vanilla extract
• 4g (⅔ teaspoon) salt

Frying and Finishing

• Neutral oil, enough to fill a pot 3-4 inches deep
• Fresh edible flowers

Preparation Steps

1. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix water, milk, honey, sugar, olive oil, and eggs. Briefly mix.
2. Add flour, yeast, and salt. Combine the ingredients.

Makara Peng’s Sdao Salad

This Cambodian dish features bitter sdao flowers, elevated with Peng’s unique approach.

Randy Rucker’s Borage Aguachile

Chef Rucker blends borage flowers into a refreshing aguachile, showcasing their transformative taste.

These recipes celebrate the abundance of summer, encouraging creative use of a diverse array of edible blossoms.