The sun rules the marigold, as you might guess from the flower’s near fluorescent orange color, and ray-like petals that protrude outwards like little sun flares from the largest star in our solar system. As with the Leo’s in our life, who need a steady stream of love and attention to show their brilliance, marigolds need a steady stream of hot sun. without this, they will wilt in the shade, unable to lift their proud little heads up off their chests - and likely even die. as did the ones on the shady side of my porch this summer, which i’m ashamed to admit.

In China, I had the pleasure of tasting marigold tea, which was delicious. I gather in India, they pop ‘em like m & m’s. Personally, I prefer m & m’s. Here in the states, rarely do I see them anywhere but gardens. They must be the #1 planted annual here in the US, as masses of them live out their short but vibrant lives in concrete planters at gas stations, curbside parking lots, suburbia’s front lawn, and many a class project. the avid gardener will also know that planting them amongst the garden vegetables keeps the buggies away. not sure why or how - but my mom swears by them.

Actually, it is the marigold’s more flavorful relative, the tagete, that is more popularly used in cuisine. but they are apparently a little harder to come by, which brings us back to the marigold! If you can score some tagetes for this recipe, using them over marigolds is advised.

If your Leo could use some sunny cheer, serve them a MARRY MI’ GOLD. But don’t dare serve it without the flamboyant marigold flower which will bring an even bigger smile to showy Leo’s lips. purrrr….

MARRY MI’ GOLD (SEE ALSO BASIL SHANDY)

Marigold lemonade *
Pale lager

* Fill glass with equal parts beer and lemonade. Garnish with a Marigold Flower.

If you don’t have any lemonade, try using UV’s new vodka LEMONADE flavor instead.

MARIGOLD LEMONADE:
In pitcher, add 1 cup raw organic sugar, 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice and three marigold flowers. stir every twenty minutes or so until sugar dissolves. be sure to stir the sugar that settles to the bottom of the pitcher. Allow to sit for at least an hour so that marigold flavor is extracted. For presentation, add fresh marigolds.

MARIGOLD ICE CUBES:
Place petals in ice cube tray and freeze. Use them at time of serving for an even grander Leoian impression!

Thanks to THE COOKING DIVA for hosting this WHB #95.