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Authentic 17th century Carmelite Water recipe
The 17th century Carmelite nuns produced their famous Carmelite Water by combining lemon balm with lemon zest, angelica root, nutmeg and coriander. This formula was sold for hundreds of years under the name Eau de Me`lisse de Carmes and was used to treat various nervous disorders. It still appears in German shops as Klosterfqu Melissengeist. The extract of lemon balm is sometimes referred to as the "spirit" or "compound" of Melissa and is still listed in Germany's Pharmacopoeia. However, it has been largely displaced commercially by citronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus), a less expensive alternative with similar properties. Carmelite water 2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves 1 tablespoon finely chopped lemon peel 1 sprig sweet marjoram 1/2 cinnamon stick 5 whole cloves 1 teaspoon nutmeg, grated 3/4 inch piece angelica stem 1 1/4 cup vodka You will need a mortar and pestle, two 10-ounce sterilized glass bottles with tight-fitting stoppers, a fine sieve, a paper coffee filter, and a bowl> Using the mortar and pestle, crush the dry ingredients. Place in a small bottle, add the vodka, and set aside for 10 days, shake daily. Strain the liquid through the sieve into bowl. Then drip the liquid through the coffee filter into a freshly sterilized bottle. Let stand at least 2 weeks. keep in a cool, dark place. Woman's' Gift Basket Idea a loofah or pretty bath sponge, earrings, homemade bath salts, decorative soap, necklace, carmelite water, box of chocolates, tea, homemade potpourri, homemade lotion, If you like my free recipes and would like to contribute, please leave a donation so you can enjoy the spirit of giving too. |