Traditional Sweet Violet Syrup

A simple and beautiful syrup that is easy to make and gives amazing results. My front garden is covered in little sweet violets every spring and although I crystallise them or cut them for the spring dinner table, I recently found this old recipe for making violet syrup, which is fabulous. So, I have been busy making Sweet Violet Syrup this year! The syrup is great when added to icings and butter cream for cakes; and is wonderful when used in beverages too. Only a small amount is needed to add to sparkling wine or lemonade for a delectable and elegant drink. I have also added the syrup for flavouring to homemade macaroons, French Macarons. Why not make a homemade violet ice cream, or add this to junkets and blancmanges, the list is endless! NB: Six handfuls are about 3 ounces. A bottle of this makes a great gift for a foodie friend, add a label with serving ideas; one teaspoon is usually enough for most recipes.

• Ready In: 24 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 1 1/2 pint bottle

Ingredients

•  sweet  violets, about 3 ounces (6 handfuls)
• 300  ml boiling water (1/2 pint)
• 600  g white sugar (20 ounces)

Directions

1. You need a bain-marie for this recipe and a sterilised bottle.
2. Remove all of the green, stalks and leaves from the violets and put the flowers into a non-reactive metal pan or in the top of a bain-marie. Pour the boiling water over the flowers, cover with a lid and allow to infuse overnight or for 24 hours.
3. The next day, add the sugar to the water and violets. Bring the water in the bottom of the bain-marie to a boil and keep stirring the violet mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. Keep the water at a rolling, but gentle boil. If you don’t have a bain-marie, place the sauce pan on top of larger pan with water underneath.
4. Strain, bottle and label the violet syrup and keep in a cool place, or the fridge for up to 6 months. Use in cakes, scones, pancakes, icings, butter creams, ice creams, biscuits (cookies), beverages, cream puddings etc.