Sunflowers . . .

The sunflower is one of my most favorite flowers.

Maybe it's because they represent the summer season.

Several years ago while on vacation we found a

bookstore going out of business.

This is one of books I bought.

Sunflowers

Growing, Cooking, and Crafting

with the

 Sunniest of Plants

Written by

Diane Morey Sitton

Throughout the book it lists fun facts about sunflowers

called

 "Seed  for Thought."

Here a few of the fun facts . . .

*

Sunflowers are the national

flower of Russia.

*

The French word for sunflower

is tournesol, or literally

"turn with the sun."

*

In early Native American culture, the

sunflower was a religious symbol, merging

with the sun in sacred and

decorative motifs.

*

In 1987, Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers

painting sold at auction for a record

$39.9 million.

 *

The sunflower was officially named the
state flower of Kansas in 1903.

 

*

Bees make a delicious amber honey

from sunflowers.



  *

In the language of flowers, the sunflower

is the birthday flower for June 30.  It symbolizes

adoration, affection, constancy, glory,

gratitude, and infatuation.

Here is a recipe from the book that I want to try.

Sunflower Herb Dip

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons chives

2 teaspoons parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup sunflower kernels

Blend in food processor until sunflower kernels are chopped.

Chill overnight.

Serve with crackers, chips or raw vegetables.

Yield: approximately 2 cups.

Note to self. . .

buy a bunch of freshly cut sunflowers.