Magnolia Syrup

I had a magnolia tree in my backyard for years before I learned that the petals of the beautiful magnolia flowers that bloom in early spring are edible. They have a delicate, lightly floral taste with a hint of ginger. When steeped in a mixture of sugar and water you end up with a delightful flavored simple syrup that tastes like you've bottled springtime. Use it to drizzle on pancakes or, my favorite, to jazz up seltzer or make memorable cocktails.