Chive Blossom Salt

  

Chive Blossom Finishing Salt

This herb salt transforms spring’s first delicate herb shoots into the ultimate seasonal seasoning. Unlike dried herb mixes, this cooked salt creates a cohesive spring flavor where each ingredient shines yet blends harmoniously. Use it to sprinkle over spring favorites like morels, sweet peas, lamb, eggs and asparagus.

Note:  The preparation and chopping of herbs takes time.  This is not a quick into the jar recipe.  Two weeks later the melding flavors have developed to make the finishing salt a wonderful addition to any dish.  The colors will remain vibrant if not over baked.  

Ingredients: 
½ cup chive blossom flowers (remove the calyx, the petals separate) 
¼ cup finely chopped parsley leaves
¼ cup finely chopped mint leaves
¼ cup finely sliced chives
¼ cup finely chopped fennel fronds
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons Aleppo or Cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons mixed-color crushed peppercorns
1½ cups Maldon flake salt, not table salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 225°F.                                                                             

Combine herbs, zest, and spices in a medium bowl. Gently fold in salt until well mixed, using your fingers to incorporate thoroughly. 

Spread mixture evenly on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 20–25 minutes, until herbs have lost most moisture but remain "greenish".  Let cool. 

Store in a covered container for several weeks. Makes about 2 cups.