Sunflower Recipes

HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER BUTTER

Steps:

• Pour sunflower seeds into the container of a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix®, and secure lid.
• Select Variable 1. Slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then switch from Variable to High. Use the tamper to push sunflower seeds into the blades, and mix until sunflower seed butter develops an oily sheen. Season with salt. Store in an airtight container.

SUNFLOWER COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Combine gin, orange-flavored liqueur, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with some crushed ice in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake until the outside of shaker has frosted. Strain into 2 glasses.

ROASTED SALTED SUNFLOWER SEED

Steps:

• Place water and salt in a saucepan.
• Rinse sunflower seeds and remove any plant or flower head matter.
• Add sunflower seeds to water& salt in pan.
• Bring water to a boil, then turn down to simmer.
• Simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• When done, strain water& seeds through collander& allow seeds to dry on paper toweling.
• Do not rinse.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Spread seeds on a cookie sheet& bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Stir frequently.
• Remove from oven when seeds are slightly browned& fragrant.
• NOTE: for salt free seeds, simply eliminate the first 7 steps& go straight into oven preparation (Step 8).

SUNFLOWER

Steps:

• For the bread: In a large bowl, put the yeast and warmed heavy cream and soy milk. Let sit for a couple of minutes until the yeast is foamy. Add the melted butter and egg yolks to the mixture. Mix well. Add the cinnamon and mix well. Scoop the squash out of the skin and add to the mixture along with almonds and with a whisk, blend well into the mixture. Add the cornmeal and mix well. Add the flour, salt and sugar and mix well. Scoop the dough evenly into 2 (8 by10-inch) generously greased bread pans. Cover and let sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bake in a hot oven for 1 hour. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf for a hollow sound. If not done, bake a couple of more minutes.
• Oven temperatures vary, so keep your eye on the bread. Remove from oven when completed and allow to sit in bread pans for 15 minutes, then remove and cool a bit before serving.
• For the Mango Butter Sauce: Melt butter in microwave or in a skillet. Prepare the green tea and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• In a blender, put the melted butter, green tea, mango, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth. Serve with salads or over sandwiches.
• For assembly: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients but 1 cup of sunflower seeds and mix very well. Put the 1 cup of sunflower seeds off to the side. Place the bread on the plates and distribute the mixture in the bowl evenly among them. Drizzle the lemon and olive oil lightly over the sandwiches. Cover with the bread tops. With the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, drizzle 1 tablespoon over each center of the top of the sunflower bread. Take the extra cup of sunflower seeds and sprinkle evenly over the melted butter on the center of top of the sunflower bread. Serve wih Mango Butter Sauce, if desired. Decorate plate accordingly.