Roses for St. Therese of Lisieux

“Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.”

 This is a quote from St. Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese loved flowers and saw herself as the ‘little flower of Jesus’. She became associated especially with roses.  To celebrate the feast day of St. Therese on October 1st, devout Catholics often scatter rose petals. Here’s a more potent way to celebrate this much loved Saint.

Rose Liqueur

1 packed cup cleaned, organic red rose petals

3 cups unflavored vodka

¼ cup kirsch

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 tablespoon rose syrup (available at Middle Eastern food shops and at some supermarkets)

 Place the rose petals in a quart jar. Add 1 cup of the sugar and then pour in the vodka and the brandy or cognac. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a dark place for about 2 weeks.

 Now strain the liqueur through a fine strainer or a layer of cheesecloth. Pour it into a clean quart jar and add the remaining sugar and the rose syrup. Seal it up and let it sit until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 days.

Now you can store the liqueur in wine or brandy bottles sealed with a cork, but let the rose liqueur age for 2 months before drinking it.

 “Dining With The Saints” is a monthly column written by chef and foodwriter Erica DeMane who can be found at EricaDemane.com