Sunday, April 20, 2008

To Do List: Try New Things: Violet Jelly and Dandelion Syrup

Patty at Morning Ramble has a recipe for Dandelion syrup on her blog. I have plenty of Dandelions so I thought I would give it a try. The soaking Dandelions didn't look so appetizing. I wasn't too confident about how it was going to turn out. I kept a positive attitude and continued on.

After following the directions I had a nice thick golden colored syrup. That taste like...well...syrup. I can't say that I taste something that taste like Dandelion. All I know is that it is good.

After success with the Dandelions I was fired up to try something else. I have been wanting to try Violet Jelly for a couple of years. I found a great recipe and tutorial at Prairieland Herbs.

I picked Violets out of our yard. It took about 20 minutes or so. I just plopped down in the middle of a patch and cleared them out. I followed the recipe and because it was late after I soaked the flowers, I refrigerated the liquid from the violets overnight. Making the jelly only took about 45 minutes total. I think it is delicious. It has a light floral taste to it. It is delicious on toast with butter. Here are the results. Isn't it beautiful? I love the lavender color. The tall bottle is the Dandelion Syrup.

Finally, inspired by my success I decided to use some fruit I had that I was afraid would spoil. So I made some Pear and Pecan Conserve and Plum preserves. I just had enough for a jar or two so I just threw them in the water bath with the jelly.

I put some extra in a decorative jar I had and we have been enjoying it with some buttered biscuits.

This has been fun. Who would have thought weeds from my yard would taste so good!

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6 comments:

Rebecca said...

How pretty and creative!

Laura E. said...

You crazy food-storing exMormon you.

I must say I *am* intrigued by the violet jelly, though. I've always heard about it and wondered how it was.

Carrie J said...

Hey! Watch it! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I like the violet jelly very much. The pear conserve is good too. The Dandelion syrup I will have to try again and see if maybe my Dandelions were flavor deficient or something.

Sonny said...

So what about allergies? If Dandelions make you sneeze can you eat the syrup? Just wondering.
I would like the link to where you got the recipes. The cost of food and such. I need tips on how to put up veggies and the like. Mom always ran me out of the kitchen. Something about me being a walking hazard or something such as that.

Carrie J said...

Sonny, the links are in the post. Just click on the words that are a different color from the regular text.

linda said...

Inspiring! Very beautiful photos too.
I love the idea of using violets for jelly!