Crystallized Violets and Violet Jam

Spring is the time for violets. So here are some lovely recipes for sweet violets that you will enjoy. I will post a violet syrup recipe in the future also.Its wonderful on pancakes!


Crystallized violets are lovely , delicious and good. They are simple to make and look lovely on a cake or cupcakes. They are edible too!

You can do this with rose petals too. Again just be sure they are not treated with insecticides.
You will need to gather:

about 36 violets with stems ....make sure they have not been sprayed with weed killer etc.
4 oz of frozen egg substitute, thawed
(or 1 egg white plus 1/2 tsp. water) but be safe and use the substitute
1/4 c. superfine sugar (the kind they make for iced tea )

Wash the flowers well, but very gently and pat dry very gently also.
Very carefully paint each petal on both sides with the egg white substitute. You can use a small painting brush for this.
Now sprinkle on both sides with the fine sugar and place on in a cool dry area til they are all dried.
Now snip off the stems (they just allow you to hold them better while painting them)
You can store them carefully in an air tight container in your refrigerator. Layer gently.
Some people use waxed paper between. Make sure the jar is very dry and air tight.

You can use them to decorate wedding cakes, cup cakes .. anything you wish. They taste lovely.





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Violet Jam


Ingredients:
2 c Fresh violets
2 cups of boiling water
4 Tablespoons of lemon juice
1 pkg of powdered pectin
4 cups of sugar

How to make the jelly:
Place boiling water into a heat resistant glass jar.
Place your cleaned violet blossoms in the jar, cover and let steep for 24 hours.
You will end up with a murky infusion that is bluish green in color. Its ok even if it looks funny. This is your violet infusion.

Strain out violets and add the lemon juice. The infusion will lighten up now to light lavendar.

Put your violet/lemon mixture into a clean sauce pan and stir in the pectin and bring the whole thing to a boil for a minute or so.

Now add the 4 cups of sugar and bring back up to a good boil for another minute.This will melt in the sugar.

Skim the top if there is scum on it.

Pour the violet jelly into sterile jars and seal tightly. ( for safety sake, be sure to learn how to sterilize and seal jars properly before making any canned or bottled goods.There is lots of information on the web and there are people who know how and can be a valuable resource. )

Recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups of violet jelly.

Our Marinated Grilled Steak

This is one of our biggest hits and we know you will love it also. It is wonderful on a hot summer night when "thin" meals just won't cut it. You are hungry and you need filling food and steak is one of the best fillers there is!

We serve more of this in the summer than any other dish.






You will need the following ingredients:[ change to fit your crowd, this feeds 4 very hungry or 8 partially hungry people.. or 2 serious steak lovers]

Ingredients:

2-1/2 pounds steak.. you select the cuts you love. Make sure they are tender , however.
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
7 cups assorted lettuces
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup capers

Combine garlic, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oil in a resealable plastic bag, season it with salt and pepper. Put in the beef and seal bag. Shake and rub bag to distribute marinade evenly. Let stand at room temperature for around 20 minutes.

Fire up the Grill at this point so its ready for your meat when things are done.

Whisk together mustard and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar in a small bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Add your remaining 5 tablespoons oil in a slow stream, whisking until thickened and emulsified.

Now in another bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, and capers. YUM!

Cook steaks on a lightly oiled rack over high heat, turning once, until medium rare, about 5 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer your cooked steak to a plate and let stand for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, drizzle vinaigrette over salad, tossing to combine.

Place some salad on each plate. Arrange extra tomatoes around the side, or maybe some tiny carrots.. whatever you like.

Now slice up the steak on the bias making attractive small pieces and layer them onto the top of the salad.

This dish is wonderful served with grilled garlic bread and freshly brewed Iced Tea garnished with mint and lemon. Or our famous violet Iced Tea

Just add a few violet blossoms or.. non sprayed rose petals to your hot tea for a wonderful difference!Add your ice after the violets or roses 'steep' a bit.

Eat Hearty!