These lil’ babies are so good I made them three times this week. No joke! Slightly labor intensive, perhaps, but oh, so worth the effort, especially for guests, who are sure to rapaciously devour them all before you can even taste them (which is why my photos aren’t my best work)! Here’s what it takes for you to make your own:

1) Procure yourself some squash blossoms. I recommend the farmer’s market. Or your neighbor’s backyard (See above photo for reference). Make sure you get them they day they are to be eaten, as they don’t keep well.

2) Get some cheese. I like a mix of fresh ricotta and Italian truffle cheese (from Trader Joe’s) or pecorino romano, but I suggest the truffle cheese if you can find it.

3) Fry up a little bit of bacon and a shallot. Mix with the cheese. Add some pepper and fresh thyme. Stuff those blossoms!

4) Dip in a simple beer batter and pan fry until golden. Watch them disappear!

It’s something you can really only enjoy for a fleeting moment once a year, so why not buy a ton, grab a couple of big skillets, and have a squash blossom party? Their gently sweet and delicate flavor is not exclusive to the savory side, oh no. They are scrumptious as a sweet fritter too, just lightly battered and dusted with powdered sugar, reminiscent of funnel cake from the fair! –Megan B. Click for Beer Battered Stuffed Squash Blossoms! (more…)