My husband inherited that book, as well, and still consults it to set the table for a dinner party.
I believe it was written to educate the immigrants from Europe who came here in the early part of the 20th century.
However, I tend to look up more modern versions of the recipes on the Internet. Most of them are available with measurements, temperatures/times, techniques and ingredients with which we are more familiar.
I like your potpourri technique and will try it this year. Do peonies retain their odor when dried?
Last year I made Elder Flower cordial. I adore the odor of Elder Flower and maybe I will see if they retain their odor, too. The cordial was a big hit with everyone who tried it and I gave away nearly a gallon (I made two gallons). You can google a variety of recipes, but be advised they call for way too much sugar and I cut the sugar in half. I use it mainly to make a drink with LaCroix Lime Flavored carbonated water and a squeeze of lime. Great with Prosecco or 1/2 and 1/2 with a cheap Asti. A friend used it in some bundt cakes. It is great in a cup of tea, adding a summery taste/smell. I used it instead of simple syrup in some marmalade I made with my Calamondin oranges and then mixed some of the result 1/2 and 1/2 with honey. That was also great in tea. I think it would also make a good icing.
Does anyone gather and use Sumac flowers? I dried some and have it in the freezer, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. I need to get a dedicated spice grinder, first.
“Do peonies retain their odor when dried?”
Not that you’d notice, but they make great ‘filler’ for potpourri. The darker colors look nicer when dried. The white petals seem to just turn brown/tan. They are one of my favorite flowers! I have 14 of them. :) Have you found a good lotion or oil that captures their scent? I haven’t. :(
By ‘Elder Flower’ do you mean the blooms of the common Elderberry? That sounds interesting.
I’ve made a rose petal cordial. When you drink it, you feel as if your whole head is filled with roses, LOL! I’ve also added rose petals to a bottle of vodka, then thrown it into the freezer for summer sippin’ on ice.
(Your own untreated rose petals, of course!)