Rose-petal Jam

Ok all, this is going to be another experiment.

The Elderflower Champagne was an unmitigated success - although I've noticed that people are very wary if you mention it's 'homemade'- I can't imagine why. After all even the shop bought stuff has to be made somewhere. No, it doesn't just magically appear on the shelves and yes, milk does come from cows and yes,chips are actually made from potatoes that once grew in the soil. Anyway, going back to the champagne, my greatest comment was from my sister's 'very cool' boyfriend Theo:

Ha! To all you sceptics out there - "like a special shop bought one!!" So you should definitely give it a go as it was so easy.

Find the recipe here: Elderflower Champagne




Right, so back to today's experiment. My roses by our front door are in full bloom and I love them. So, obviously, I have chosen a recipe that will destroy them. Well not really but possibly. Wild roses are recommended in the recipe but mine are ornamental with small petals, so hopefully they will melt OK!

Rose-petal Jam

 First thing is first, you will need:

2 cups of wild rose petals (crammed down fairly tightly), I felt terribly guilty picking our roses but as you can see there are still plenty of flowers left).
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
1tbs lemon juice
1 tbs orange juice

This a Turkish recipe from the book Food For Free by Richard Mabey.

1. Dissolve the sugar in the water and add the lemon juice and the orange juice.
2. Make sure the rose petals are free of insects - I removed 2 money spiders from mine - woo hoo! Also remove any withered petals.
3. Stir the petals into the liquid and put the pan over a very low heat. Stir continuously for about 30 minutes or until all the petals have 'melted'. 

   

   I love my jam thermometer!

   
   
   
   (If you have a jam thermometer setting point is at 105 degrees Celsius yes I know I went over - oops!) Or just do the wrinkle test on a cold saucer. What ever takes your fancy.
4. Cool a little, put into a small glass jar and cover. Now comes the really boring bit of waiting for the jam to cool enough to try it on some toast.......I'll let you know what it tastes like tomorrow! 

Hopefully I won't poison the children... oh dear I'll have to try it first, what a chore.....

Good Luck!

 Georgie xx