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As the weather is warming up, and the summer is fast-approaching, we are moving into
a Fire phase that is associated with the emotion of joy and the color red.
To me, the heart is always associated with roses and I wanted to share a couple of
recipes with you that I, personally enjoy as summer-time treats to cool me down from
the heat. I hope you will try these and enjoy them just as much!
Crimson Refresher:
For this easy recipe, you will need several (2-6) buds of hibiscus, also known as
jamaica (in Latin and South America) or sorrel (in the Caribbean). They are sold as
dried flower buds in most Latin and international stores as well as some mega-stores
like Walmart.
Add them to 1L of boiling water and allow to cool. If you have the time,
take notice of the almost-magical transformation of the water into a beautiful, deeply-
colored red infusion as waves of crimson seep from the flower buds into the water. Add
a few spoons of rose preserves to the infusion. Rose preserves is essentially a jam or
jelly made from rose petals and is popular in some Mediterranean
regions and can be found in Turkish and Eastern European food stores. Hibiscus adds a tart and bright flavor, while the rose preserves add sweetness and fragrance to this very refreshing and beautiful beverage.
If you prefer to omit the preserve, just use any sweetener of your choice, for example,
maple syrup. You can also add dried rose buds or dried rose petals (available in tea
shops and natural food stores) along with the hibiscus.
Taste and adjust as needed. If you want more tartness, add more hibiscus, it will infuse
even in cold water, it just will take longer. If the refresher is too sour, dilute with water
and/or add more preserves/sweetener.
Serve cold (or at any temperature you prefer), in a clear glass to enjoy the beautiful
color and the refreshing flavor!
Rose Jello:
Make a rose infusion by steeping 4 Tbsp of dried rose buds and/or petals in 1L of
boiling water. You may also use 4 rose tea bags instead.
Add a sweetener, rose preserves, maple syrup, monk fruit, or whichever one you prefer,
to taste. Food and beverages always taste sweeter when they are hot, so make sure to
add a little more than you need, to adjust for serving this dessert cold. Combine with
unflavored jello, per manufacturer's instructions, and refrigerate, until the jello is set.
Enjoy as a yummy summer treat!
Rose, as an herb has a very soothing effect on the nervous system and could promote
better sleep and improved digestion. Hibiscus is an herb historically used to support
memory and lower blood pressure.
Whether you want to realign your nutrition goals or simply to feel better about the foods you're eating, Jenny Libkhen, AWC’s Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist can help you identify health and nutritional goals and formulate a treatment plan to meet those goals. If you mention this newsletter get a 15% discount when you book an Initial Nutrition Consultation.
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