Candied rose petals offer a unique twist on the classic edible centerpiece favor table decoration, and are easy to do it yourself.
This easy do it yourself wedding centerpiece idea uses classic rose petals with a delightful modern life as edible candy favors.For about the same cost as those individually boxed jordan almonds, you can offer your guests a sweet treat in the centerpiece of their table.Note: This is not a good centerpiece for an outdoor wedding in a hot or humid area.The petals can turn into a sugary mess if exposed to temperatures over 90 degrees accompanied by high humidity.
Choose a container
You will need a simple glass candy dish or platter in the center of each table.Check with your caterer, your reception hall and your florist""any of them might be able to rent you what you need just for the night.If they can't do so cost effectively, try local home décor stores, thrift stores, or even a restaurant supply store until you find what you want at an affordable price.
Candy the Roses
You are specifically looking for edible food-grade rose flower petals.See if your florist can help you with this, or shop around""just be sure you are buying an edible flower which the seller knows was only exposed to vegetable-grade pesticides at worst.It can save time if the petals come already detached from the rose, but you can remove them from fresh flowers if need be.
When choosing the flower color, keep in mind that the candying will slightly mute the rose petals natural colors.If you want a sharp crisp red rose presentation, you might be disappointed, but if your wedding colors allow for a more muted red tone you'll be fine.Any color rose looks great, from pink to yellow, and the candying will let natural color variations on the petal show through.
Materials:
-Flower petals
-Mint leaves (optional)
-1 Egg
-Water
-Sugar (super fine)
-Fine-tipped paintbrush (buy one meant to be used on cakes)
-Tweezers (buy a new pair just for the kitchen)
-Waxed paper covering a rack or cookie sheet
Pour the sugar into a thing layer at the bottom of a bowl.If you run low on sugar later, you can add more.
Separate the egg white from the egg yolk, and place the white in a small bowl.Add a few drops of water, and beat the mixture until it begins to lightly froth.
Carefully use the tweezers to dip the rose petals into the egg white.If you are having problems reaching a fold, or have more than a thin layer of egg white on a petal, use the paint brush to fix it.
Hold the rose petal over the sugar bowl and lightly sprinkle sugar on each side, then place each petal on the wax paper.Do not try to layer the petals, or they won't dry properly.Leave the petals out for 12 to 36 hours to dry.
Rose petals can be candied ahead of time, and stored in airtight plastic baggies or plastic containers for a few days.Try not to put the petals into your centerpiece bowls more than a couple hours before the wedding (as humidity in the air can make them stick to each other).
Bring it Together
For added flair and taste, candy mint leaves to place in the bowl below your candied rose petals.Mint can naturally be found in a variety of gourmet flavors, from spearmint to chocolate to lemon, so arrange to visit a specialty nursery that carries a wide variety of mint plants and taste each of your options.
Present the candy dish or candy bowl by placing it on a dusting of fresh (not candied) rose petals in the center of the table, surround it with a rose based bouquet, lay a single rose beside it, or place rose leaves under and around the dish as a sort of natural doily.
