"W"ild "V"iolet Jelly
If you will allow me a little license here, I am combining my missed lesson from last week's Alphabe-Thursday - the letter "V" with this week's "W"...
Those of you who have been following along with this blog since 2009 may remember that in May of that year, I shared our recipe for Violet Jelly. With Spring just around the proverbial corner, you might like to see a replay and if you are visiting for the first time, I hope you enjoy being introduced to this special jelly.
You will need to gather your violets from an area that you know to be free of pesticides. We have a nice little patch that grows right in the middle of our walking path where the land slopes down and stays damp much of the Spring and Summer. I keep an eye out for our occasional bears who cross the path on their way to a natural spring that is located back in our woods.
Wild Violet Jelly
2 generous cups of violets (no stems please)
2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (carefully strained)
4 cups of sugar
1 box powdered fruit pectin
Sterilized jars, lids and rings
Using a glass container, pour boiling water over violets, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you will have an inky blue/gray infusion. Carefully drain the infusion through a fine sieve. Reserve the liquid and discard the violets. Repeat the straining 1 more time. Add the fresh lemon juice and watch the infusion turn a beautiful rosy lavender color.
Place this liquid in an enamel pan and stir in powdered pectin. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil, making sure all the pectin has dissolved. Add the sugar and return to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Ladle the jelly into the prepared jars and process in a hot water bath as you would for any other jelly.
This makes about 6 8 oz. jars - a perfect size for a special gift. The taste is similar to honey with just a slightly tangy flavor - like you think a violet might taste! A fun project to do with kids especially when the infusion turns color.
Below are images of the infusion before and after adding the lemon juice.
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| Violets soaking in boiling water |
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| Inky blue/gray infusion - the next day |
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| Infusion after adding lemon juice |
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| Processed jars - isn't it pretty!! |
Thank you for visiting and be sure to stop by all the other "W" posts over at Jenny's.
Pat
I found this recipe in a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook and have wanted to make it. Now to find those violets. This is a great double post. COme join me soon. Anne
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! I've never had violet jelly...would be so tempted to paint or dye something in that lovely color!
ReplyDeletePretty, but how long does it take you to pick two generous cups of violet petals?
ReplyDeleteI think (in my fading memory) that a friend that I use to work with would search out violet flavored gum.
If only I could find violets ... I would make that just to have the color of it - just beautiful, Pat. Wonderful catch-up post. Judy C
ReplyDeletewonderful.
ReplyDeletethere's a perfect recipe for making presents for people. Thank you very much.
Oh my how wonderful! I am going to try this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely end product! I'll bet the flavor is delicious, too.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Pat! Very pretty jelly and collecting all of those violets! Time consuming! Did you have help from the doggies?!
ReplyDeleteOh how incredible. Love it.
ReplyDeleteYUM1 pretty, too! When I was young, I used to eat violets. When I was older I put them in salads. You are reminding me of their beauty. I think I will have to plant some since they are not growing anywhere nearby.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post. The finished product is pretty.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful. We have wild violets here, but I think I'd have a hard time collecting two cups!
ReplyDeleteOh, what beautiful, beautiful jelly. I could see that on cream cheese (like they do with pepper jelly) and served with some kind of lightly sweet butter cookie.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect double post!
I keep scrolling up to the picture of the jelly. I am enchanted with the color.
I'm sending this link to some of my friends in Ohio who lives on farms with big patches of wild violets growing.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful, wonderful post!
A++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I missed this post last week, but am thrilled to run across it today. We plan to be out at our farm tomorrow and violets are in full bloom right now. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteBecky
Hi Pat,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading through your blog and you are so creative. Enjoyed each post. Your cherry tree block is stunning. I have 2 friends who are doing those blocks.
Interesting read about the bowls. I will have to look for some next time I am out antiquing.
It is great to see that you made some "one star" blocks too. I think it is great that Moda is doing that.
Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving a comment. You know this is the first time I have made striped binding for a quilt and I am really liking it a lot.