HONORING CHRYSANTHEMUM (NOVEMBER FLOWER of the MONTH) ~ ONION CHRYSANTHEMUMS

The chrysanthemum, the Flower of Happiness, was so revered in Japan that only the nobles could grow it.

~ Unknown

~ Chrysanthemum

(Gold Flower)

From the Greek khrūsanthemon, meaning gold flower : khrūs-, khrūso-, chryso- + anthemon, flower (from anthos).

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ONION CHRYSANTHEMUMS

~ Delicious treat adapted from an old SUNSET MAGAZINE clipping. As cut onions bake, they soften and open like flowers.

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4-6 (6-8 oz.) red or yellow onions

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

coarse salt & freshly ground cracked pepper

pinch of cayenne to taste

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (dark or white)

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans

chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and chives

• Peel onions; trim tops and root ends if needed to sit flat. Set onion on root end. From top, cut through middle of each onion to 1/2 inch from bottom. Repeat 10-12 cuts (1/2 to 3/4 inches apart).
• Place onion, cut side up in 9x13-inch pan. Drizzle evenly with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Bake, covered, in 400-degree oven until onions are very tender when pierced in center, about 1 hour.
• Uncover. Sprinkle evenly with vinegar, toasted nuts and herbs to taste. Bake until onion tips are lightly browned, 10-15 minutes longer. Spoon pan juices over onions before serving. Delicious with grilled steak. (4-6 servings)