Sweet Summer Treats

Our circus party definitely needed some treats to get things started. Sweet treats to be precise. Maya and I created two, one frozen and one crispy treat with flowers.

Every child I know loves edible flowers. Personally,  my experience was restricted to broccoli and cauliflower. And, of course, in Germany we ate dandelions. As kids we used to suck on common sorrel which in German is called Sauerampfer. "Sauer" for "Sour" which is a very fitting name. I still remember that distinct mouth-puckering flavor. But then the city mouse came to American farm country and learned all about violas and pansies and now we eat lots. It's a great way to get my kid to eat a salad.

Pansies are called "Stiefmuetterchen" in German which means "little step mothers". I haven't yet found out why. There are many different explanations.  I'd like to believe that it has to do with some fairy tale. The blossom crunchies below are sweet, crunchy and look delicious.

Rice Krispies are not really a staple in Germany, but these treats are wonderfully sticky, messy and sweet and look phenomenal dressed up with flowers and little cocktail umbrellas.

BLOSSOM CRUNCHIES

Ingredients:

- 1 box of crispy brown rice

- 1 cup brown rice syrup

- ½ cup barley malt syrup

- ½ cup smooth peanut butter

- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

- ¾ cup of chocolate chips

- violas and/or pansies

Make:

1- Bring syrups and peanut butter to a gentle boil in a saucepan.

2- Stir continuously for 3 minutes.

3- Add rice and vanilla and stir until incorporated.

4- Set aside to cool completely.

5- Add chips.

6- Pack mixture into mini muffin tins.

7- Pop the balls out of their molds (a butter knife works well)and place in paper liners.

8- Top each one with blossoms.

9- Serve.

In my family the best part is always left for last....