Edible Flowers and Fruit Aperitif
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
This Edible Flowers and Fruit Aperitif is a visually stunning and flavorful way to kick off any occasion. It combines the delicate beauty of fried edible flowers with a refreshing fruit cocktail, making for an elegant and refreshing start to your meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Edible flowers | 60g |
| Rice flour | 100g |
| Water | 110g |
| Dry white wine | 40g |
| Egg whites | 1 |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Seed oil (for frying) | 500g |
| Raspberries | 250g |
| Pineapple juice | 450g |
| Ginger beer | 660g |
| Fresh raspberries | 12 |
| Fresh mint | 4 sprigs |
| Fresh ginger | 4 slices |
| Edible flowers (for garnish) | to taste |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fried Edible Flowers
Start by gently washing the edible flowers and soaking them in cold water to refresh them. While the flowers soak, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolk. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Add in the dry white wine, cold water, and sifted rice flour. Mix everything until you have a smooth batter.
2. Fry the Flowers
In a large frying pan, heat the seed oil to 190°C (375°F). You can use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Using a pair of tongs, carefully dip each flower into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Fry the flowers in small batches, so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden and crisp, then remove and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Lightly season the fried flowers with a pinch of salt and set them aside.
3. Make the Fruit Cocktail
For the refreshing cocktail, place the cleaned raspberries in a blender or food processor along with the pineapple juice. Add the ginger beer and blend until smooth. Thinly slice fresh ginger into 4 pieces and add them to the blender. Give it another quick pulse to combine.
4. Assemble the Aperitif
Pour the prepared fruit cocktail into individual glasses, filling each about three-quarters full. For garnish, float a sprig of fresh mint in each glass, and skewer 3 fresh raspberries on a small skewer or cocktail stick, adding it to the glass.
5. Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place the fried edible flowers on a platter, and allow your guests to enjoy these crispy, delicate treats alongside their refreshing fruit cocktail. For extra flair, you can garnish the flowers with a few more edible flowers or a sprig of mint.
Tips
- Edible Flowers: Choose flowers that are safe to eat, such as nasturtiums, pansies, or violets. Ensure they are pesticide-free.
- Ginger Beer: The ginger beer adds a zesty kick to the fruit cocktail. If you prefer a less intense ginger flavor, you can use soda water or lemonade instead.
- Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this as an appetizer, consider pairing it with a light, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
This Edible Flowers and Fruit Aperitif is the perfect way to start any gathering, offering a playful mix of flavors and a stunning visual appeal.
