Violet Creams Recipes

CANDIED VIOLETS

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat egg whites with a wire whisk just until frothy. Place sugar in another bowl. Taking one violet at a time, pick it up by the stem and dip into egg whites, covering all surfaces. Gently dip into the sugar, again being sure all of the petals, top and bottom, are covered. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; snip off stems. Using a toothpick, open petals to original shape. Sprinkle sugar on any uncoated areas. Dry in a 200° oven for 30-40 minutes or until sugar crystallizes. Gently remove violets to wire racks with a spatula or two-tined fork. Sprinkle again with sugar if violets appear syrupy. Cool. Store in airtight containers with waxed paper between layers.

TRADITIONAL SWEET VIOLET SYRUP

Steps:

• You need a bain-marie for this recipe and a sterilised bottle.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

VIOLET CREAMS

Steps:

• Soak the gelatine in a bowl of cold water and set aside. Bring the cream, milk and sugar to the boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then take off the heat and add the violet essence - if you want to colour the creams, add the colourings, a tiny drop at a time, until it is as violet as you would like it. Gently squeeze the excess water from the gelatine, then stir it into the hot cream until completely dissolved. Pour into 2 glasses - martini glasses or Champagne coupes look nice - and leave to set in the fridge overnight.
• The next day, gently melt the chocolate over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave. Leave to cool a little, then gently zigzag over the top of the set cream mixture in the glasses. Return to the fridge for the chocolate to set.
• To serve, sprinkle with the crystallised roses and violets. Serve with the shortbread on the side.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH VIOLET BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Make cupcakes:.
• Whisk together boiling water and cocoa. Cover and set aside. With a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and continue creaming until light and fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking soda and baking powder and add this mixture, alternately with the buttermilk. Add cocoa and water mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. Scoop into cupcake pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Let cool completely before decorating.
• Make Ganache:.
• Chop chocolate and place in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Bring cream and sugar just to a boil in a small saucepan and then pour over chocolate. Whisk together and then stir in butter until melted.
• Make Buttercream Filling:.
• Whisk together the egg whites and sugar in a stainless steel bowl. Place bowl in a water bath set over low heat. Whisk occasionally until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very warm, about 150 degrees F. Remove from water bath and whip with a hand-held mixer on high speed until stiff peaks. Lower speed and add the butter in small pieces. Add vanilla and violet essence and mix until smooth. Add violet color, 1 drop at a time, until desired shade is reached.
• Decorate:.
• To fill, put buttercream in a pastry bag with a small round tip. Stick tip into the center of each cupcake and pipe in filling.
• Dip tops of cooled cupcakes in the warm ganache and let set. Pipe more ganache on top for decoration. Finish with candied violets or sprinkles if desired.