LOVE OF ROSES

LOVE OF ROSES

Roses are one of the most loved flowers, yet they are also useful herbs. Rose essential oil is healing and soothing and the rose petals, fresh or dried, also have many uses. I have a jar of dried rosebuds and petals in my kitchen that I open now and then just to breathe in the sweet aroma when I need a moment of calmness. Remember to only use roses that haven't been sprayed or treated in any way.

ROSE WATER

There are many different methods to making rose water. I've chosen three for today that are easy. By the way, vodka acts as a preservative in the recipes.

Rosewater Method I

You'll need:

2 cup distilled water
1/4 cup 80 proof vodka
1/2 cup fresh rose petals

Place the rose petals in a large glass jar with a lid. Add the vodka and the water. Place the jar in a sunny window for 24 hours or so. Strain and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Rose Water Method II

You'll need:
1 cup fresh rose petals
1 1/2 cups distilled water
1/2 cup 80 proof vodka (optional)

Place the rose petals in a pan with the water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain. If you are using this within a day or two, then refrigerate till needed. If it will be longer then add the alcohol after the mixture is strained and cooled. You still should use it within a week or two, especially is using inedible recipes.

Rose Water Method III

You'll need:
1 1/2 cups fresh rose petals
1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon 80 proof vodka

Place the rose petals in a glass jar and pour over the water.
Seal tightly and allow it to set for 2-3 days, shaking at leastonce per day when you think of it. Strain, add the vodka andpour into a clean jar.

ROSE BEVERAGES AND DESSERTS

Rose Macaroons

Ingredients
1 pound confectioners' sugar
2 cups whole blanched almonds
6 large egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons rose water

Preheat over to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the confectioners' sugar and almonds in a food processor and process until it looks like a powder. In a large bowl beat the egg whites until they are stiff but not dry. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar until glossy peaks form. Gently fold the ground nut mixture into the egg whites along with the rose water. Using a pastry bag, pipe the dough into 1 inch rounds that are placed 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Let the cookies air dry on the sheets, on the counter,until they are no longer glossy, from 15 to 30 minutes. Bake cookies one pan at a time for 10-15 minutes until they appear dry. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the macaroons onto a cooling rack.

Rose Petal Iced Tea

Ingredients:

3 large roses, petals only, white bases removed
3 cups water
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 cups water
3 tea bags (quality black or green tea)
3 tbsp. granulated sugar

Bring the 3 cups water to a boil. Add the rose petals and lemon juice then turn off the heat and allow it to sit for 8-10 hours.
Strain the rose water into a pitcher. Discard petals.
Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil, remove from heat and place in the tea bags. Brew for 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bags, and add the granulated sugar to the tea. Stir. Allow this mixture to cool. Add to the rose water and stir. Serve over ice.
Notes: It's better to choose a light tasting tea that won't overwhelm theroses.

PAMPERING ROSE RECIPES

Rose Petal Facial Steam

You'll need:
1 pan spring or distilled water
1 cup of fresh rose petals

Boil the water, then remove from heat and add the rose petals. Steep for 5 minutes. Place your face about 10 inches or so from the pot, and drape a towel over your head to help direct the steam to your face.
Steam only as long as feels comfortable. 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cool water, pat dry gently and moisturize.

Oatmeal Rose and Honey Facial

1/8 cup fresh rose petals
1/3 cup oatmeal
4 tsp. honey
1 tsp. rose water

Grind the oatmeal in the blender till it is fine. Tear the petals into pieces and mix with the oatmeal in a glass bowl. Add the honey, blend in the rose water. Apply to your face and leave on for about 1/2 hour. Rinse off with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize.

Rose Petal Bath Vinegar .

You'll need:

1/4 cup fresh rose petals
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup bottled distilled water

Place the rose and mint in a glass jar with a lid. Pour over the vinegar. Cover and allow to sit for 2-3 weeks, testing for desired scent. You can let it steep for up to a month.
Strain the vinegar into a clean container and add the water.
Add 1/3 cup of water in a warm bath.

MORE HERBAL RECIPES:

Jennifer Wickes shares her edible flower tips and recipes including a syrup and jelly that works great with roses plus a list of edible flowers: http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/edibleflowers.html