violets

[[EarthWitch]]

Spring violets can be used to make beautiful cake or cookie decorations. Pick the violet blooms and gently wash and pat almost dry. Dip them in fine sugar and freeze. Use them for decorating. Also you can take them and freeze them in ice cubes to make beautiful accents for drinks. They can also be gently washed, patted dry and tossed with a salad.

[hedge*]

Another good use for violets is Violet Jam.
Now I've not tried this but I definitely plan on doing so.

Violet Jam
1 1/2 c Wild violet blossoms*
2 1/3 c Sugar
1 1/2 c Water
1 3/4 oz powdered pectin
1 md Lime , juice of

Instructions
Rinse violet blossoms well and place in a blender. Add 3/4 cup water and lime juice; blend well. Gradually add sugar, blending until a smooth paste is formed. In a saucepan, combine pectin and remaining water; bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Add to blender and blend for 1 minute. Quickly pour into sterilised jars and seal.

*Be sure to use the common wild purple violet, not the African violet (often grown as a houseplant)

[oracle's child]

mmmm, thank you for that recipe hedge. i've heard of the sugared violets before. when i was a teenager i wore violet oil and ate violet candy. can't wait to try that jam!

[[EarthWitch]]

That jam sounds great! I am gonna give it a go!