Candied Violets
Candied Violets Recipe from France - Delicious Sweet Treat
Introduction
Candied violets are a delicate and beautiful treat that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. They add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral flavor to any dish. In this recipe, we will show you how to make your own candied violets at home.
History
Candied violets have been enjoyed for centuries, with records of their use dating back to the Victorian era. They were often used to decorate cakes and pastries at fancy tea parties and other special occasions. Violets were also believed to have medicinal properties and were used in various herbal remedies.
Ingredients
- 1 unit of egg white
- Some violets
- Some granulated sugar
How to prepare
- Whip 1 egg white until it becomes frothy but does not form peaks.
- Collect fresh violets and their leaves; gently wash them in cold water and allow them to drip dry.
- Once dry, dip each violet or leaf in the frothy egg white and quickly roll it in granulated sugar to evenly coat, being careful not to apply too much sugar.
- Place the coated violets or leaves on waxed paper, ensuring they are well separated.
- After several hours or a day, the blossoms will become crisp and can be stored for several months without losing their fragrance or flavor.
- Store the violets or leaves in an airtight tin, layering them between sheets of waxed paper.
Variations
- You can experiment with different types of edible flowers, such as pansies or roses, to create a variety of candied flowers.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When making candied violets, it's important to use fresh, pesticide-free flowers. Make sure to wash the violets gently and allow them to dry completely before dipping them in the egg white and sugar mixture. Be careful not to apply too much sugar, as this can make the violets too sweet.
Serving Suggestions
Candied violets can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet and delicate snack.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect candied violets is to gently coat the flowers in the egg white and sugar mixture, being careful not to apply too much sugar.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have violets, you can use other edible flowers such as pansies or roses.
Make Ahead Tips
Candied violets can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several months.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the candied violets on a platter or in a decorative tin for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Candied violets pair well with light and delicate desserts such as vanilla cake or lemon sorbet.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the candied violets in an airtight container at room temperature. They do not need to be reheated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of candied violets contains approximately 20 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of candied violets contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Candied violets are low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
There is minimal protein in candied violets, with less than 1 gram per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Violets are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as various minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Alergens
Candied violets may contain allergens such as egg white. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Candied violets are a low-calorie treat that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They make a beautiful and elegant addition to any dessert.
Summary
Candied violets are a delightful and elegant treat that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. They are easy to make at home and add a touch of beauty and flavor to any dish.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for candied violets. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my grandmother's kitchen as she sifted through her old recipe box. She pulled out a faded, yellowed card and handed it to me with a smile.
"Here, my dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "This is a recipe that has been in our family for generations. It's a bit tricky to make, but the results are absolutely divine."
I peered down at the card, the delicate handwriting spelling out the ingredients and steps needed to create the sweet confection. Candied violets. I had never heard of such a thing before, let alone tasted them. But as I read through the instructions, I knew that I had to give it a try.
My grandmother had always been a master in the kitchen, her dishes filled with love and tradition. She had learned to cook from her own mother, who had learned from her mother before her. It was a lineage of culinary expertise that I was proud to be a part of.
As I gathered the ingredients for the candied violets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The thought of transforming simple flowers into a sweet treat was both intriguing and magical. I carefully plucked the violets from the garden, their delicate petals a vibrant shade of purple.
Following the instructions on the card, I began the process of candying the violets. I dipped each flower into a mixture of sugar and water, watching as the petals glistened and sparkled in the sunlight. The scent that wafted from the pot was heavenly, filling the kitchen with a sweet floral aroma.
After allowing the violets to dry, I carefully placed them on a plate, their sugary coating shimmering in the light. I couldn't wait to taste them, to experience the delicate balance of sweetness and floral notes that I knew would linger on my tongue.
As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of pure bliss. The candied violets were like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The sweetness of the sugar was perfectly complemented by the subtle floral undertones of the violet petals.
I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. As they each took a bite of the candied violets, their eyes lit up with delight. My grandmother beamed with pride, her hands clasped together in joy.
"You've done it, my dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You've mastered the art of candying violets just like generations before you. I know that this recipe will live on in our family for years to come."
And so it did. The recipe for candied violets became a staple in our family, a tradition that was passed down from one generation to the next. Every time I make them, I am reminded of that warm summer day in my grandmother's kitchen, where I learned the magic of transforming simple flowers into a sweet delicacy.
I am grateful for the lessons that my grandmother taught me, not just in cooking, but in life. Her love and dedication to her craft have inspired me to explore new flavors, to experiment with ingredients, and to always approach the kitchen with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
As I sit here now, years later, surrounded by my own recipe box filled with treasures from the past, I am grateful for the legacy that my grandmother has left behind. And every time I make a batch of candied violets, I know that she is watching over me, her spirit guiding my hands as I create something truly special.