Smelling Sweet Like a Rose

 I have been busy today! First thing this morning I harvested several cups of rose petals and put them to a multitude of uses! First, I changed the rose petals in the rose extract I making. Second, I put a bunch in a big pot and brought them to a simmer using spring water. Then, I captured the steam to create rosewater which I bottled but only captured just a few tablespoons so I think I need to do the process two or three more times before I fill a bottle. Third, I squeezed out all the rose petals from the distilling pot and wrapped that up in what is known as “super wrapping” to prevent both spillage and spoilage. (super wrapping is simply covering an entire object in plastic wrap. Super wrapping is a technique used quite often in professional kitchens to keep products fresh.) This water is going to be used as a hair rinse or a skin tonic and will keep up to a month in the refrigerator. I also harvested several roses just to sit on the counter and look pretty. Our home is smelling sweet as a rose!


As you know, Dear Readers, I am a firm believer in making the most out of what is growing in my garden. I think the many projects I have made from one plant, in this case a rose, prove that. I also adore experimenting and “playing“ in my kitchen. I am planning to make rose sugar which is extremely simple. All you do is gather rose petals and give them a wash and a spin in a salad spinner and allow them to dry spreading by them out onto clean towels or paper towels. (Don’t allow them to dry too long or they will dry out and not have as good a flavor.) Then throw a handful or two of these cleaned petals into a food processor along with a cup or two of sugar and give the two ingredients a good spin until the petals are very finely ground. Lastly, spread the sugar out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to dry. Store in an airtight container. (This method will work with any edible flower by the way.) Use the sugar in and in shortbread or sprinkled over the top of sugar cookies, it’s absolutely scrumptious! I am debating making rose petal jam and or jelly but I haven’t decided if I want to take that project on just yet. 

Share what you’re making from your garden in the comments section.

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