If you’re looking for ways to use up your garden bounty this 4th of July check out this round-up of garden fresh, 4th of July minded recipes.

Fresh 4th of July Veggies:
Fourth of July Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe
Orzo Super Salad
Southwestern Style Potato Salad
Crispy apple coleslaw
Mushrooms, tofu, red onions, lemons (and more) grilled kabobs
Corn on the cob three ways – be brave and just click one – make whichever one you land on…

Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob

Juicy & Fruity:
Savory Apple Onion Tart – not too juicy, I know, but I defaulted the apples into the fruit category …read more

I enjoy adding edible flowers to my food, as a garnish, or as a part of the dish. I have another little trick I like to use when I’m using flowers for sweet dishes like cakes or cupcakes. I use a little sugar to candy the flowers.
Making candied flowers does two things, it helps preserve the flower so it will last longer, and it adds a sweet flavor to the flower itself.
A couple of my favorite flowers to candy are violets and lilacs. Since I’m making some candied flowers for some cupcakes I’m making this weekend I thought I’d capture …read more

I really enjoy edible flowers and blooms on my summer salads. They’re also a great addition to desserts, and make a great garnish for any dish. Not all flowers are edible, so make sure you check before eating.
Here is a list some of my favorite Spring and Summer edible flowers and blooms:

Calendula
Nasturtiums
Violets
Violas
Chamomile
Chives
Cilantro (Coriander)
Dill
Honeysuckle
Lilac
Pansies
Scented Geraniums
Squash
Safflower
Mint
Lavender
Dandelions

There are others, but these are the edible blooms I’m familiar with, and have enjoyed myself a time or two. My favorites are nasturtiums, and violets.
Do you have any favorite edible flowers, or recipes for a favorite flower that includes edible blooms?
Image via istockphoto.com

No longer limited to cake decoration and fancy, four-star restaurants, edible flowers have come to the masses. Pansies, nasturtiums, daylilies, chrysanthemums, and more may be eaten and add a festive–and healthy–touch to your cooking.
Organic to Be, one of my favorite food blogs, offers a great recap of what flowers are edible along with tips on where and how to pick edible flowers.
Edible flowers are great in salads, frozen in ice cubes, embedded in butter, and as garnish to most any dish. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
(photo © Newscom)