Cassie Winslow, an expert on edible flowers and author of cookbook ‘Floral Provisions,’ teaches us how to make—and grow—our own floral brunch, from lavender crêpes to apricot-chamomile jam.
Written byKristin Scharkey Updated On March 18, 2023
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Like a lot of other folks, Cassie Winslow moved during the pandemic. She and her family packed up their life in Santa Cruz and headed to the Sacramento Valley to be closer to loved ones and have a bit more room. Unlike a lot of other folks, they spent the first few months planting more than 70 rose bushes around their new home.
Winslow’s husband is the green thumb of the pair, but she is the one who’s garnered a following for her ability to transform seemingly simple dishes and drinks into botanical showpieces on her stunning Instagram and blog @decotartelette, and in her first book, where she showed us how to add beautiful edible flowers to cocktails. Now she’s back with Floral Provisions: 45+ Sweet and Savory Recipes,a cookbook full of tips for leveling up everyday meals with a fragrant twist, from lavender crêpes to apricot-chamomile jam. While there are so many varieties of edible flowers, Winslow features those that are easy to source or grow at home.
“Lavender and chamomile are quite versatile and tend to require minimal maintenance,” Winslow writes. “Nasturtium is also quite lovely, and if it grows well in your area, it can fill your garden with gorgeous blooms year-round.”
Because we like a sweet start to the day, we found ourselves drawn to the breakfast dishes in Floral Provisions, which we’ve excerpted here complete with sauces, butters, and salts made with all types of botanicals.
“Fresh flowers tend to have a very subtle flavor,” Winslow tells us. “When they’re dried, the flavor is more potent.”
Incorporating botanicals can add not only new fragrances to your family classics but also vibrantly colored garnishes and, well, some joy. “Just have fun with it and experiment,” Winslow says. “I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face.”
Start Your Day with Flowers
1 of 3Naomi McColloch
Apricot-Chamomile Jam
“This fragrant jam is one of my favorite summertime treats. Apricots and chamomile complement each other in such a delightful way,” writes Winslow in her book. “I love slathering some atop a layer of ricotta on sourdough toast and sprinkling it with chopped pistachios; it’s the perfect summer snack. You can also dollop some on your favorite vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert on a sizzling day.”
2 of 3Naomi McColloch
Calendula, Gouda, and Bacon Quiche with Fresh Blooming Herbs
“This delicious quiche puts on quite a show at the brunch or tea table,” writes Winslow in Floral Provisions. “Vibrant, fresh calendula petals and blooming herbs add a pretty confetti to this savory treat … and paired with the saltiness of Gouda and bacon? It’s absolutely lovely in every way.”
Tip: “I love serving this quiche with a floral side salad. Simply take 1⁄2 cup of mixed greens per serving and add 3 tbsp. of fresh flower petals. Squeeze a quartered lemon over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of Chamomile Salt. Voilà!”
3 of 3Naomi McColloch
Lavender Crêpes with Lavender Pluot Sauce
“Imagine a bed of warm crêpes served with a pat of lavender butter and topped with a tangy and vibrant pluot sauce. It’s one of my favorite breakfasts to make on a Monday morning,” Winslow writes. “You can make the batter the night before and allow it to set in the refrigerator overnight so that you can start the week with a belly full of beautiful food and a skip in your step.”
