Homemade Chamomile Honey

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh chamomile flowers (organic/culinary grade)

• 5 cups water

• 5 cups granulated sugar

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tbsp Oro di Milas mandarin-infused olive oil

• Optional (for thickness): 1 tbsp wheat starch

Instructions

1. Steeping: Gently rinse the chamomile flowers to remove dust without bruising the petals. Combine with 5 cups of water and let it steep overnight to draw out the full botanical aroma.

2. Infusion: The next morning, bring the mixture just to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve.

3. Simmering: Pour the infused water and sugar into a heavy-bottomed pot. For a deeper floral profile, you can keep the flowers in for one quick boil before discarding.

4. Reducing: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 25 minutes until it reaches a syrup-like consistency. Be careful not to over-reduce, as the sugar may crystallize upon cooling.

5. Texture Adjustment (Optional): If you prefer a thicker "honey," whisk a small amount of the cooled syrup with the starch to create a slurry. Stir it back into the pot and bring to a brief boil once more. (Note: Starch may slightly cloud the transparency).

6. The Signature Finish: Once the "honey" has cooled to room temperature, stir in the Oro di Milas mandarin-infused olive oil. This adds a luxurious sheen and a bright, citrusy aromatic layer.