Everything's Coming Up Roses
by Colleen Moulding

Crystallized Rose Petals

First you will need to gather rose petals from a source, preferably your own garden, where you are confident that they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Unfortunately, roses from the florist or the supermarket are not suitable for eating.

Wash the petals carefully and pat dry with a towel, trimming off the lighter part where the petal joins the rest of the flower as this can taste bitter.

Prepare a mixture of whisked egg white and fine granulated sugar and using a small paint brush coat each petal with the mixture, or if you prefer paint the petals with the egg white and sprinkle with the sugar afterwards. Carefully shake off the excess and place on a sheet of waxed or greaseproof paper to dry.

Use to decorate cakes, pastries, ice cream and desserts.

Most little girls have made "perfume" from roses steeped in water. Here is a recipe for a super rose water that you can use chilled from the refrigerator to cool your face and neck on long, hot summer days.

Rose Water

Firstly, gather the petals from three or four roses and place them in a saucepan with a pint of water. Heat gently until the roses become transparent, but do not allow them to boil.

Let the mixture cool, then strain through a sieve into a jug, pushing the petals with your fingers to extract all of the liquid.

If you have a spray bottle pour your rose water into this and refrigerate.

Use as a cooling spray on face or neck.

Will keep for a week or more in the refrigerator.

Dried Rose Petals

Select full blown roses early in the morning but after the dew has dried. Pick apart the petals and spread them out on a paper towel. Leave in a dry airy but not sunny spot turning them until they are dry. Once dried you can add a little essential rose oil and place in a small room to enjoy the fragrance or use to decorate craft projects. You can also mix the dried petals with dried lavender flowers and place in a little cotton or muslin bag before letting the hot water run over the bag and scent your bath. N.B.-Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant or have allergies.

Old Fashioned Rose Pot-Pourri Recipe