What to do with all that fireweed

Recipes courtesy of the Alaska Outdoor Journal Web site.

Fireweed Jelly

8 cups fireweed blossoms (no stems)

1/4 cup lemon juice

4 1/2 cups water

2 pkgs Sure Jell (or other powdered pectin)

5 cups sugar

Pick, wash and measure fireweed blossoms. Add lemon juice and water. Boil 10 minutes and strain. Heat strained juice to lukewarm, add pectin and bring to a boil. Add sugar and bring to a full boil. Boil hard for one minute, pour into hot clean jars and seal.

Homesteader's Fireweed "Honey"

50 pink clover blooms

10 white clover blooms

18-25 fireweed blooms

3/4 tsp. alum

5 lb. bag white sugar

3 cups boiling water

Gently rinse blooms in cold water. Put all ingredients except water in pan, then pour on boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth. Put in canning jars and water bath process for 10 minutes before sealing lids.