Crystallized Violets

Photo: flickr user Argonne National Laboratory

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Powdered gum arabic

1 tablespoon Rose water

Violet blooms

Superfine sugar

Preparation

NOTE: Both gum arabic and rose water are available from drugstores or cake decorating supply stores.

Dissolve the gum arabic in the rose water and leave until the solution becomes a paste. Using a small brush, paint each violet all over with the solution, then dip the flowers in superfine sugar. Leave to dry on a wire rack in a warm place. Store the petals in an airtight container, and use them on desserts as an edible garnish.