The Cookbook

Using the rose as a culinary addition is hardly a new idea. In fact using roses in recipes has been practiced for thousands of years by many cultures. Because most of the old garden roses do not require hazardous chemicals and sprays, they are perfect for natural sources of vitamin C.

There are are some general rules for cooking with roses. Make sure they are free of insecticide. Harvest roses early in the morning, and remove the white heel of the petal, as it is bitter. Rinse petals and hips thoroughly.

The best roses for cooking in Central Florida are:

Nur Mahal (Hybrid Musk, 1923)
from Michael Shoup's 'Landcaping with Antique Roses' Cramoisi Superieur (China 1832)
from Leu Gardens, Orlando Louis Phillipe (China 1834)
from 'Antique Rose Emporium' Mrs. B. R. Cant (Tea 1901)
From 'Antique Rose Emporium' Duchesse de Brabant (Tea 1857)

(Click on the thumbnail to get the larger image)

OAHRS COOKBOOK

The OAHRS Cookbook is now available, and can be ordered for $15.00 (+ 6% tax for Florida Residents) from Tina Smith, Orlando Area Historical Rose Society, 1151 Chambord Court, Orlando, FL 32825

RECIPES

PLUM KUCHEN - PLUM CAKE
Carolyn Lamond

Mix together for crust:
1 C sugar
½ C butter
½ tsp vanilla
1¼ C flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
¼ tsp baking powder
*Will be crumbly.
Prune plums - or - seasonal fresh fruit
1 egg
1 C cream or half & half

Set aside 1/3 of crust mixture and pat the rest of mizture into a pie pan or an 8" or 9" square pan. Be sure to push dough 1" up the side of the pan. Arrange halves of prune plums, cut side down. Sprinkel with reserved cut dough.
Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Beat 1 egg. Mix in 1 cup of cream or half & half. Carefully pour over plums in pan.
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes longer, or until custard sets. Knife inserted in center will come out clean when done.
*1½ recipes will make a 9 X 12 rectangular pan. *How about Rhubarb and berries?