The chrysanthemum, the Flower of Happiness, was so revered in Japan that only the nobles could grow it.
~ Unknown
~ Chrysanthemum
(Gold Flower)
From the Greek khrūsanthemon, meaning gold flower : khrūs-, khrūso-, chryso- + anthemon, flower (from anthos).
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ONION CHRYSANTHEMUMS
~ Delicious treat adapted from an old SUNSET MAGAZINE clipping. As cut onions bake, they soften and open like flowers.
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4-6 (6-8 oz.) red or yellow onions
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
coarse salt & freshly ground cracked pepper
pinch of cayenne to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (dark or white)
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans
chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and chives
- Peel onions; trim tops and root ends if needed to sit flat. Set onion on root end. From top, cut through middle of each onion to 1/2 inch from bottom. Repeat 10-12 cuts (1/2 to 3/4 inches apart).
- Place onion, cut side up in 9x13-inch pan. Drizzle evenly with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Bake, covered, in 400-degree oven until onions are very tender when pierced in center, about 1 hour.
- Uncover. Sprinkle evenly with vinegar, toasted nuts and herbs to taste. Bake until onion tips are lightly browned, 10-15 minutes longer. Spoon pan juices over onions before serving. Delicious with grilled steak. (4-6 servings)
Comments
Jen
Thanks Patientgardener ~ I'm happy to find you also :)
Yes indeed, P.G., although these are in a pot near the back door.
Frances
K
Hi Karen ~ bold color shouts, waving goodbye.
Brenda
Have you ever tried sticking those mums in a space near the back of your yard after they are done blooming in the fall. They may just come up and bring you more joy! ((HUGS))
~ Monica
Thanks for the reminder about the significance of the chrysanthemum in Japan; I had forgotten about that. And I won't tell if you don't tell either; mine will probably wind up on the compost pile, too:)
I found your comment most interesting, birthday friend! I'm with you, Monica, regarding mums and topaz (I'm also a November child as is my youngest son.) Hope your birthday was wonderful!
Do hope you give the onions a try, Tyra! If you enjoy them as much as I do, try the grilled Onion Blossoms posted on 8/29/08, also a favorite.
Thank you, Cindy, and I hear you. After waking to morning snow, my pitiful pots of pansies are hanging their heads low!
I do hope you like these as much as I do, dear Beckie. We dined on them last night with grilled rosemary pork tenderloin and baked acorn squash, a perfect meal!
Hi dear Rose, and thanks. Mums are 'The Flower of Happiness' and very photogenic. (Trust me, I won't tell a soul ;)
Marnie
I've only had the onion chry...chrysa...MUMS! deep-fried.
Just so you know, I'm an active member of WADF (Women Against Deep Frying) so I've only had these in restaurants, because I could never bring myself to deep-frying anything at home.
Thank you Oh, Creative One. I can't wait to try these lovely mums, in baked form.
We all know there is nothing like some 'good grease' every now and then ... in fact, I'm heading out with the entire family tomorrow night for a birthday bash hamburger on grilled pumpernickel and a greasy batch of the best onion rings this side of the Rio Grande! (Sound like a 3 Tum night to you?)
Another fabulous post!
Hugs
Cat