Lemon Verbena Water Food

LEMON VERBENA JELLY

Steps:

• Put the lemon verbena leaves, lemon zest and water into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate to high heat, then turn the heat to simmer and cover the pan. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and allow to stand, covered, for several hours.
• Pour the infusion through a strainer into a large, deep saucepan. Press on the leaves to extract all flavor, then discard the leaves and zest. Stir in the lemon juice and sugar and bring to a full rolling boil over high heat. Add food coloring. Stir in the pectin and return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for two minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from the heat and skim the foam, if necessary. Ladle the jelly into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal with new lids and metal rings.
• Process for 5 minutes in a hot water bath. Makes about five 6-ounce jars.
• This subtly flavored jelly is good with scones or toasted brioche, or in the center of thumbprint butter cookies.

LEMON VERBENA WATER

Steps:

• Rinse the Lemon Verbena and add leaves to a 2 quart jar of water.
• Set in the sun, as if making sun tea.
• Enjoy the infused favor of Lemon Verbena!

CUCUMBER AND LEMON VERBENA WATER

Steps:

• Put the cucumber slices in the bottom of a large pitcher. Gently roll the lemon verbena sprigs back and forth a few times in your hands to release the scent, then add them to the pitcher along with the water. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

LEMON VERBENA JELLY

Steps:

• Bring a boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Or dishwasher and keep hot. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
• Place chopped lemon verbena leaves and water into a pan. Bring it to a boil, then take it off the heat and let it steep, covered, for 15 minutes.
• Place apple juice in a quart size measuring cup.
• Strain and add infusion to juice to make 4 cups (adding more water or juice to if needed). Place in a 3 1/2-quart or larger saucepan. Add lemon and sugar. Mix well and bring to a full boil over high heat, stirring constantly.Add the liquid pectin; bring back to a full rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minute Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.).
• Sealed jars can be store up to one year in a cool dark pantry.
• Unsealed store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
• Altitude times:.
• 1,000-3,000 5 minutes.
• 3,001-6,000 10 minutes.
• 6,001-8,000 15 minutes.
• 8,001-10,000 20 minutes.

LEMON VERBENA DRINK

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil and remove from heat.
• Add lemon verbena, mint and honey.
• Infuse for 10 minutes, then strain.
• Cool and serve over ice.