Spring has sprung, and my herbs are doing well – especially the chives. I purchased a small plant about six 6 years ago, then as it grew, I transferred it to half barrel tub. It blooms each spring, offering chives year round which is handy for garnishing recipes.
Their flower blooms are a special spring treat for use in green or pasta salads, omelets, scrambled eggs, or mixed into cheese dips and spreads. The small global-shaped lavender blossoms have a mild onion-garlic taste. I love how the pretty chive blossoms look for presentation in a recipe.
These flower "puffs" last for many weeks before going top seed and replanting itself. Blossom puffs pop right off their stem when pulled. I also snipped green stems too. If picking many at a-time, rinse in cool water, and keep them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with stems. When ready to use, pick apart the blossom puffs as needed for a recipe or garnish, and snip greens with scissors.
Chive Omelet
Add oil or butter to a hot skillet. Pull apart blossom puffs and snip green stems and sprinkle into bottom of hot skillet. Pour in one or two beaten eggs and rotate pan allowing egg mixture to evenly cook.
As it begins to set, push mixture from the sides towards the center, allowing any mixture not set to fill in the gap.
Add cheese if desired. When done, fold in half or thirds and serve. Sprinkle more chive puffs or stems on top.
Mash a cup of goat cheese or cream cheese with a handful of pulled apart chive blossoms, snipped chive greens, zest of a lemon, tablespoon or two of lemon juice to taste and 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey.
Lay enough plastic wrap to cover the bottom of a small bowl and pat mixture into shape. Then pull from the bowl and wrap the cheese to chill and set.
When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and place in a serving dish. Olive oil may be drizzled over the top. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Lay enough plastic wrap to cover the bottom of a small bowl and pat mixture into shape. Then pull from the bowl and wrap the cheese to chill and set.
When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and place in a serving dish. Olive oil may be drizzled over the top. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Chive Salad Garnish
Pull apart puffs and snip greens and sprinkle into tossed green salad with other colorful ingredients, such as tomatoes, cucumbers etc.
Other Suggestions: Slice cucumbers or tomatoes on a platter sprinkle with chive blossoms and drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.
