G is for Gilia

Gilia capitata (Blue Thimble Flower)

Native to California, this flower reminds me of a firework display. Which is why it is getting the Fourth of July Spot. Last year I had made some vanilla and strawberry cupcakes (white and red) and all I needed was a little blue. I looked through much of New York and not a Bachelor Button or Thimble Flower was to be found, strange to me mainly because they are so prevalent here. This year my lack of blue was not to be repeated so I planted some blue firework flowers of my own to be my cupcake toppers. While not toxic, I do not believe these are particularly tasty or edible.

Fourth of July Cupcakes

Filling Recipe

1 cup strawberries (or other red berry), chopped into 1/2" pieces

2 Tbs Honey

1 Lemon, juiced

Mix in bowl and let macerate while preparing cake mixture.

Betty Crocker Cake Recipe (If you don't want to use a box. Boxes are fine, just add a little extra vanilla or almond extract for additional flavor)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla (I add a lot more flavor, a little St. Germain, a little anise extract and much more vanilla)
4 egg whites

Heat oven to 350. Mix everything but the eggs for about 30 seconds in mixer (if by hand, until ingredients are just combined). Add eggs and mix until batter an even/smooth consistency.

Before baking, evenly distribute cake mixture to about halfway up muffin tin. Place a spoonful of the filling in the middle of each well on top of the cake mixture. Bake for about 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and let cool.  Frost if desired with a white frosting, I prefer sour cream personally, then top with a Blue Firework bloom like a Bachelor Button (Centaurea cyanus) or Blue Thimble Flower (Gilia capitata).

Happy Fourth of July! May you enjoy many fireworks and festivities.