Lavender Jelly Recipe - A French Vegetarian Delight

Lavender Jelly

Lavender Jelly Recipe - A French Vegetarian Delight
Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lavender Jelly
Lavender Jelly

Lavender jelly is a unique and fragrant jelly that is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a glaze for meats. The combination of lavender flowers, sugar, and pectin creates a sweet and floral jelly that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Lavender jelly has been around for centuries and is often associated with French cuisine. Lavender has long been used in cooking and baking for its aromatic and calming properties. The jelly is a way to preserve the delicate flavor of lavender and enjoy it year-round.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Bring two cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add flowers.
  2. Steep for twenty minutes and strain. In a heavy saucepan, add the infused water,
  3. vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 10 minutes or until
  4. sugar is dissolved. Add pectin, return to a boil, and boil for one minute.
  5. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Pour into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Variations

  • Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Use honey instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
  • Mix in some fresh berries for a fruity lavender jelly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh lavender flowers for the best flavor in your jelly.

- Stir constantly when boiling the mixture to prevent burning.

- Skim off any foam that forms on the top of the jelly before pouring into jars.

- Use hot sterilized jars to ensure a proper seal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lavender jelly on toast, scones, or as a glaze for roasted meats.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for lavender jelly is boiling the mixture to the correct temperature to ensure a proper set.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lavender flowers, you can use dried lavender instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount as dried lavender is more potent.

Make Ahead Tips

Lavender jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lavender jelly in a decorative jar with a ribbon tied around the lid for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lavender jelly pairs well with creamy cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, as well as crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store lavender jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lavender jelly contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lavender jelly contains approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Lavender jelly is fat-free.

Proteins

There is no protein in lavender jelly.

Vitamins and minerals

Lavender jelly is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Lavender jelly may contain allergens such as sugar and pectin.

Summary

Lavender jelly is a sweet treat that is low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Summary

Lavender jelly is a delightful and aromatic spread that is easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your meals. Enjoy the sweet and floral flavors of lavender in this unique jelly recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara in her quaint little cottage nestled in the countryside. Clara was known for her delicious homemade jams and jellies, and that day she had a special treat in store for me – Lavender Jelly.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the sweet and floral scent of lavender enveloped me. Clara had a small pot bubbling on the stove, filled with fresh lavender flowers and sugar. She explained to me that she had learned how to make Lavender Jelly from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

I watched in awe as Clara carefully stirred the mixture, her hands moving with practiced ease. She told me stories of how her grandmother would harvest lavender from her garden, carefully plucking each delicate flower and infusing them into the jelly. The process was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it.

After patiently simmering the mixture for what seemed like hours, Clara poured the fragrant liquid into glass jars and sealed them with a pop. The jelly had a beautiful pale purple hue, with tiny specks of lavender scattered throughout. Clara handed me a spoonful to try, and I was instantly transported to a field of blooming lavender.

The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced – sweet and floral, with a hint of earthiness that lingered on my tongue. I marveled at how such a simple flower could be transformed into something so exquisite. From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Lavender Jelly myself.

I begged Clara to teach me her grandmother's recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon gathering lavender from her garden, carefully plucking each flower and inhaling its intoxicating scent. Clara showed me how to infuse the flowers into sugar, allowing their essence to seep into the sweet crystals.

As we stirred the simmering mixture, Clara shared more stories of her grandmother and the joy she found in cooking. She told me how her grandmother believed that food was a way to connect with loved ones, to create memories that would last a lifetime. I listened intently, hanging on her every word.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Lavender Jelly was ready. Clara poured it into glass jars, just as her grandmother had done before her. The jelly shimmered in the sunlight, a testament to the love and care that had gone into making it.

I took a spoonful of the jelly and savored the taste, allowing the flavors to dance on my palate. It was as if I could taste the history and tradition that had been passed down through generations. I thanked Clara for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, knowing that I would cherish it forever.

Since that day, I have made Lavender Jelly countless times, each batch a tribute to Clara and her grandmother. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the legacy of this exquisite treat. Every time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer afternoon in Clara's kitchen, and the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw the recipe. And I am grateful for the gift of learning how to make something so special, something that will always bring joy and delight to those who taste it.

Categories

| French Recipes | Lavender Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | White Vinegar Recipes |

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