Artichoke Rose Recipe - How to make an artichoke rose garnish or decoration.

Would you guess that the beautiful flower garnish pictured here is made from an artichoke? It is easy to make and will make a beautiful addition to perk up an appetizer platter or as a party table decoration. It is sure to bring oohs and aahs from your guests. Be sure to read the Tips and Hints before you begin.

You will need:
• 1 fresh artichoke
• 2 to 3 standard-sized fresh organic roses


Instructions:
Slice stem from bottom of artichoke so it stands without wobbling. Pull off any bottom leaves that have spread out from the globe. Slice off the top of the artichoke, about 1 to 1-1/2 inches from the top.

Place artichoke in a large bowl and cover with water. Let sit 1 hour. Pat the exterior dry, but do not drain leaf pockets. The water between the leaves will help keep the rose petals fresh.

Carefully pull the rose petals from the head of the rose, keeping the petals in piles of the same size. The petals should be slightly cupped. You will be using the rose petals upside-down.

Begin at the bottom of the artichoke. Using the larger petals for the bottom rows, place each rose petal with the stem side in between each artichoke leaf. The thorns on the artichoke leaves should help secure the petals. Work in a circular motion around the base, decreasing the petal size as you work toward the top. The smallest rose petals should be slightly folded and inserted straight into the cut top of the artichoke.

The artichoke rose should only take about 15 minutes to put together. It is best made within a few hours of use. Refrigerate until ready to use as an appetizer tray garnish or party table decoration.

Tips and Hints:
• Select the most perfectly-shaped artichoke you can find.
• The artichoke should be the freshest possible with tightly-closed leaves to hold the rose petals.
• The roses should also be the freshest possible for longer life.
• If you will be using the artichoke rose near food, be sure the roses have been grown without pesticides.
• If you plan ahead, you can use candied or crystallized rose petals for a longer-lasting and quite tasty edible flower garnish.