Violet Jam Food

VIOLET JELLY

Steps:

• Rinse and drain blossoms; place in a large heat-resistant glass bowl. Pour boiling water over the blossoms and let stand for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. , Strain and reserve violet liquid, pressing with a spatula to extract all possible color. Discard blossoms. , Measure violet liquid; add enough water to measure 3-1/2 cups (liquid will be blue-green). Stir in pectin, lemon juice and sugar (the liquid will turn a violet color). , Pour into a large stainless steel saucepan; bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute., Remove from the heat; skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot liquid into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

VIOLET JELLY

Steps:

• 1. Make an infusion with violets and water by placing your blossoms in a glass jar and covering them with boiling water. Put a lid on the jar, and set aside for 24 hours. The infusion will turn a murky bluish green. Strain and discard the violets. Add the lemon juice to the violet infusion, and it transforms to a clear lavender pink. Stir in powdered pectin, and bring to a boil. Add 4 cups sugar, bring to a boil again, and boil vigorously for one minute. Skim if necessary. Pour into sterile jars and seal. Makes approximately 2½ cups jelly.

VIOLET JAM

Steps:

• Rinse violet blossoms well and place in a blender or food processor.
• Add 3/4 cups water and the lime juice; blend well.
• Gradually add sugar, blending until a smooth paste is formed.
• In a saucepan, mix the pectin and remaining water; bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute.
• Add to blender and blend for 1 minute.
• Quickly pour into prepared jars and seal.
• This turns a beautiful purple color.