Last year we started off our Spring Homeschool session with making these delicious maple blossom fritters. This week would have been our first spring class of the year and we are really missing having our students here! Since we can’t share this tasty snack together, perhaps you have a maple tree near you that’s in bloom.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, bigleaf maple trees are abundant and their flowers are appearing at just this time of year. They can be eaten straight off the tree (always check for insects first!), pickled, or sauteed, but my favorite way to enjoy them is to turn them into crispy fritters.

Tip: Last year our students’ taste testing determined that blossoms that have not fully opened up taste the best. The flowers in the photo above are beautiful, but a little past the prime eating stage. They’re still just fine to eat but if you find flowers like those in the basket below, choose them. See how the pistils and stamens are still mostly contained in the cup-like shape of the petals? That’s what you’re looking for.

To make the fritters:

1. Mix the following ingredients together in a large bowl. It will make a thin batter.

1 cup flour
1 Tablespoon corn starch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup water

2. Fill a pot with a few inches of the oil of your choice and heat to about 375 degrees. I don’t usually monitor the temperature but test to see when it’s hot enough by dropping a small about of batter in. If it sizzles and turns golden brown, your oil is ready!

3. Dip blossoms in batter. Use a spoon or fork to turn them so they’re fully coated.

4. Carefully place in the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown.

5. Drain onto a paper towel or rack. Dust with sugar and enjoy them right away.

One thing the kids always agree on - more powdered sugar is always better!

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