2006-06-11 - 8:32 p.m.

I took the weekend off and I must say I am exhausted! The estate requires much tending. Plants needed ground cleared to be planted. We picked up some lovely savory, fennel, French Lavender, lemon thyme, Dyer's Coreopis, etc. Farmer's markets are wonderful things. The last of the rhubarb is picked, frozen or being made into pies. The first batch of peas have been picked. Stir-fry is on the agenda for tomorrow. Mead and wines were reracked. And new recipes tried.

Sabina candied rose petals. We also made distilled rose water for later use in recipes. I am trying out a Rose Conserve recipe by Malcolm Hillier. It calls for 1 quart of petals to be scalded in 1 and 1/4 cups boiling water. Discard petals. Boil rose water with juice of 2 lemons and 1 lb sugar. Add pectin and 2 cups of fresh rose petals. Cook until set point. Spoon into jars and cover. I found this recipe too lemony. I also cooked the conserve jars in a boiling bath for an additional 10-15 minutes for safety. It may taste more of roses as it ages. Lord knows there are so many more roses in the garden than we know what to do with. The lavender is also in full bloom. I have been weaving lavender wands until I can stand the smell no longer. I feel like I live in a perfume factory. I will wait a bit before trying the Turkish Cookbook recipes. There is one for Turkish Delight. Mulberries and Blackberries will soon ripen too. It is not even midsummer's yet. Good harvest to you all!

Ursula

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