Deep-Fried Squash Blossoms

Sometimes the Indians mash squash blossoms to make a pudding with the scraped kernels of young corn. Sometimes they use squash blossoms instead of corn husks to wrap a nugget of blue-corn meal. But the prettiest use of the blossom retains the shape of the flower by dipping it in batter and frying it until crisp. The problem for nongardeners is to find fresh squash blossoms for a recipe which begins, “Pick blossoms early in the morning before they close.” Since Italians are fond of fried zuc