The end of the State fair is always considered the end of summer and for most this is true. the words 'Where did Summer go' ring loud and clear.

However my Vegetable garden and probably yours didn't get the memo. My garden is still producing luscious home grown treats, like green beans, cucumbers, peppers by the arm full. My second crop of lettuce and spinach is up and running. Veggie harvest season, summers welcome back party is in full swing. Co-workers are trading home grown veggies at the water cooler and break rooms all across the State.

There is another treat in the garden that is often forgotten. I did not realize it myself until I was reflecting on a fabulously full Summer and realized I had not made it to the North Shore this summer as planned.

Years ago.... 15 to be exact my new bride and love of my life, trekked north in a loaded hand me down Ford LTD to honeymoon on the North Shore. Back then the culinary explosion of food forward restaurants in the twin Cities was still in its infancy and the term 'foodies' was not yet in Minnesotan vernacular. In Grand Marais however, on the south side of the road heading into town we came across a little restaurant right on lake Superior called the Angry Trout.Inside this very unassuming local eatery that if you blink you might miss it...... is some of the best local fish prepared simply and for sure will be the best you'll ever taste, but for me my interest really perked as our salad arrived at the table. Our salad ( yes we shared food back then too) was drizzled in a home made vinaigrette and loaded with fresh home grown blooms, Edible flowers just not for decoration but an important component to the salad!

Of all the restaurant outposts this little slice of heaven inspired me to use flowers in my own kitchen cooking. Wow, my taste buds exploded with flavor and texture.The salad adorned with marigold, borage and calandula. Maybe it was the wine, the amazing lake view, the honeymoon or the food forward salad; the Angry Trout remains one of my favorite "must visit" eateries in Minnesota.

Edible flowers are surprisingly tasty and versatile and readily available probably already in your own garden. Best of all they follow the seasons just the way we like it up in these parts. Some of my favorites are Apple Blossom, try them on French toast. Bee Balm is spicy and minty, ideal for salads and summer drinks.I use the petals in fruit salad. Nasturtium is a plant I thoroughly enjoy. Its bright colorful, attracts humming birds is unbelievably easy to grow the tender leaves and flowers taste wonderful. Chive blooms in a light lavender hue carry a mild onion flavor. Gladiolus the flower your grandmother grew resembles lettuce. Buy them as a bulb in the spring they are as "cheap as chips". Daylilies offer a sweet nutty flavor. And of coarse cute violas.They carry a gentle nectar flavor for sweetness. There are many more blooms to enjoy; for inspiration and great local food don't forget to visit the Angry Trout the next time your travels take you to Grand Marais. If your now just a little peckish email me for my petals and potatoes recipe!