UNK- Rose petals in a salad, golden marigold petals in soup? Yes, it can be done.
Edible flowers will be the focus of the 20th annual Edible Flowers Tea, which will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Frank House on the University of Nebraska at Kearney West Campus.
"You can learn more about what flowers are edible, and which ones should just be placed in vase," said KrisAnn Sullivan, Frank House director. "Tea-goers will taste about eight items including flowered beet salad, lavender ice cream, various flowered cookies and cakes, and herbal tea." Attendees will also receive a recipe booklet.
The event, which has been organized and hosted each year by Gloria LeDroit of Kearney, is a fund-raiser for the mansion. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved for purchase up to August third by calling 308-865-8284 or emailing frankhouse@unk.edu.
Tickets also may also be purchased at the Frank House during regular museum hours, which are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Joining LeDroit this year is co-host Taffnee Faimon of Kearney, who said, "A great deal of learning is going on for me. Gloria is kind to call me a ‘co-host.' Truth be told, she is the expert, and I am just standing by and observing. I feel excited to learn about the behind the scenes, but cannot take credit for the work." Faimon attended her first Edible Flowers Tea in 2011.
"I have a penchant for the historical, traditional, sentimental," she said. "It was an excellent opportunity to gather and share knowledge and community, and when Gloria announced that it (the Edible Flowers Tea) would come to an end if someone did not volunteer to take it on, I raised my hand, because I wanted the tradition to continue."
In the Victorian era, afternoon tea became a tradition. The 19th century "feel" of the historic Frank House adds to the experience of the Edible Flowers Tea, Sullivan said.
Faimon added, "The rich woodwork, original furnishings, so elegant, and great space give the tea a homey, historical setting that just cannot be replicated or outdone."
The event includes a demonstration and discussion of using edible flowers, including which flowers are safe to use and how to incorporate edible flowers into various dishes. Carol Schwarz, extension educator from the Buffalo County Cooperative Extension office, will be presenting the demonstration. Schwarz will also talk about identifying which flowers are safe to eat.
For more information about the Frank House and upcoming events, visit the website at frankhouse.org and "like" UNK, Frank House on Facebook.
