My herbs are flourishing. It i time for me to start doing wonderful things with them. here are some articles i had saved in my files on Herbs.
How To Make Herb And Flower Sugar
Time Required: 4-6 weeks
Here's How:
1. Make sure plant material is fresh, clean and dry (not dried).
2. Wash and dry jar and lid.
3. Alternate layers of sugar and plant materials in the jar.
4. Seal jar with the lid.
5. Shake and store in a cool dry place.
6. Wait a minimum of 4 weeks.
7. After 4 weeks, shake and start using.
Tips:
1. Avoid opening through out the storage process to avoid exposure to mold. Check prior to using.
2. Should you see mold at any time, discard and start over. The flowers or herbs may have been too damp.
3. Avoid using the flower calyx (hard center) or large flowers such as the rose. Use the petals only when in doubt. Smaller flowers like violets can be used whole.
What You Need:
• 2 cups sugar
• 1- 2 cups fresh, clean flowers or herbs
• jar which holds about 3 cups with tight fitting lid
Herbal Extracts
This recipe is the simplest way to make your own liquid herbal extracts in your own home. Start with a clean jar that has a tight fitting lid and the herbs of your choice. If you can use fresh herbs, then fabulous! Fresh material is always preferred but availability is determined by your local bio-region, climate, etc and many quality herbs may not be available. If you cannot locate fresh materials, be sure to get good quality, organic herbs from a reputable supplier. Note: Try not to use powdered herbs; they will be difficult to filter out in the end and the debris will settle in your final product.
After you have done this, cover with tight fitting lid and be sure to place a plastic bag sandwiched between the lid and the jar. This will prevent rust contamination from spoiling your extract.
Shake well and place the jar in a dark place & allow the herbs to soak or macerate for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake every few days. The alcohol will siphon and extract the active constituents from the herbs. After 4 to 6 weeks strain the herbs. Use a large sieve, strainer, press or potato ricer lined with fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth. Then pour into another large bowl or container. After you have done this grab the soggy herbal material and place in muslin, cheese or another fine cloth and tightly squeeze the material to extract every last drop from the cloth. The herbal material left over that is saturated, is the strongest in terms of active medicinal constituents.
Now funnel the material from your larger container into smaller bottles, preferably amber bottles and store your tinctures in a cool dark place. Voila! You have now made your own remarkable medicinal herbal extract for a fraction of the price you would have paid at the store. By now you have probably noticed that your pantry is stored with some 16-20 ounces of liquid herbal extract……this will last you for some time. (It will keep for 3-5 years) Enjoy!
I do love the scented Geraniums. The rose is my favorite. I love to make jelly with it! Grandma Rosie
1-3/4 cup unbleached flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon sugar
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into pieces
3 tablespoons shortening, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup (or less) of ice water
4 medium size rose geranium leaves
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (to taste)
Combine flour, salt and 2 teaspoons sugar in food processor. Add 10 tablespoons butter and shortening. Process until crumbly. Slowly add ice water with food processor running until mixture forms a ball. Turn onto plastic wrap and shape dough into large ball. Chill at least 30 minutes. Divide dough into two portions. Roll into circles onto floured surface. Fit dough into two 9-inch pie plates; trim and flute edges.
Mince rose geranium leaves with 2 cups of sugar in food processor. Add remaining 1/2 cup butter and process until creamy. Beat in eggs, buttermilk and nutmeg. Pour into pie shells.
Bake at 350° F for 50 minutes or until center is almost set. Allow to cool completely before serving. Garnish with a rose geranium leaf.
