Use apple blossoms, plum blossoms, lilacs, geraniums, borage, or any of your other favorite edible flowers. These candied petals will keep for up to a year in an airtight container.

1. Wash edible flower petals gently and dry on paper towels. Trim away the ends; these are bitter.

2. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and boil until it reads 234°F on a candy thermometer.

3. Pour syrup into a bowl on a bed of cracked ice. When syrup begins to crystallize, hold petals with tweezers and dip.

4. Dry petals on waxed paper and dust with powdered sugar.

• MAKES 1 CUP

• INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup edible flower petals

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup water

• powdered sugar