Without descending into the depths of the maudlin Irish (which I am firmly capable of), let me just say that I will miss summer.
As a Montrealer, the beautiful beaches of Maine were our closest foot into the Atlantic ocean. I have many extraordinary memories of this part of the world, including travelling caravan style with a gaggle of university girlfriends – sun drenched days, lobster butter covered chins, midnight dips and the Kennebunk Police knocking at our door warning us to ‘keep it down’ (I was not involved. Promise). Then there was the summer that I stalked George H. W. Bush and his granddaughters at a video store, but I digress…
My husband and I have kept up the East Coast tradition with our family, typically heading down the week before the boys start school as our final summer hurrah. Sigh.
Something else we just love though, are the gorgeous rose hips that grow wild all along the coast. My sons were so taken by them, and their tart-sweet taste, that they asked me to create a post about them; so here we are.
- 1 cup rose hips, seeded (if you wish) and cut in half
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp vanilla sugar (substitute brown sugar)
- 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise (substitute 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 2 star anise
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp agave nectar
Makes 2 large parfaits
———————–
Rose hips are an excellent source of Vitamin C
Rinse rose hips thoroughly and discard ends. Cut rose hips in half (remove seeds if desired), and place in a pot on stove. Add water, sugar, vanilla bean and star anise. Bring to a boil and then reduce to lowest setting. Simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Discard anise and most of vanilla bean, reserving a wedge for garnish. Using a potato masher, mash soft rose hips, mixing the pulp with the rest of the syrup.
In dessert glasses, alternate yogurt and rose hip syrup, adding a touch of agave nectar.
Note: I enjoy foods warts and all, but if you prefer, you can discard the tough seeds in the rose hips prior to cooking.
Another Note: Followers living in Ottawa can see rose hips growing along the various Canal pathways.
I have the wild roses growing along the banks of the pond at our house in New Hampshire. I can’t wait to try this recipe…that is if the birds have left me any rose hips.
What a beautiful place! I LOVE all of your pictures, especially the Chichen Itza that your kids made, they did a great job. I love how boys play on the beach, so fun to watch.
My Dad pointed out rosehips to me while up in CT but had no idea what to do with them. That was actually the first time I have seen them growing in the wild.
You always have great ideas! :-) Happy soon to be fall.
My mother used to bring us to Maine each summer to visit relatives. I remember the water being bitter cold – the food was rustic but amazing and I loved the lobster dinners!
Loved the picts.
Mmmm, you’re making me crave yogurt parfaits now.
Thanks for the add on Food Buzz! Love meeting new foodie friends!
Kelly this looks wonderful! And your pictures are just gorgeous! I’ve never tried rose hips before but I’m thinking I might need to keep my eyes open for them at this weekend’s market!
I’ve never been to the East Coast, as such I’m so glad you shared your photos. The seasons here are so different, we are just now getting our summer heat and will have delightful months in Sept and Oct. Loving that parfait!
@Justin Cascio
Fat rose hips are ideal :) Thanks Justin.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a rose hip before! And now I just feel kind of deprived. This parfait looks delicious! The perfect way to see summer out.
@France@beyondthepeel
You know, the recipe would not be the same without the anise. It really adds a delicious complement to the tart hips.
@The Daily Dish
Oh, hello friend from beautiful Portland! Caught your salty breezes… thank you for your kind words.
@Sissi
When I returned home from our trip, I had a moment of panic thinking I would not be able to find rose hips in Ottawa for the recipe. But, sure enough, a little exploration on foot and I encountered a ton! Hope you find them Sissi.
@Linda
Thanks Linda – I hope you try the rose hips sometime.
@Susan Lindquist
Love it! Thanks Susan.
@Spice Sherpa
Agreed on the caution although, I think the same argument could be made with all non-organic produce…
@T and Tea Cake
Me too…
@briarrose
Thanks for dropping by!
@Joanne
I knew you must be a Montrealer with your fine taste and sense of artistry – hee-hee…
@My Inner Chick
Ha-ha… you’re hilarious Kim!
@Michelle @ Find Your Balance
Thanks Michelle – give them a try!
@Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen
Thanks so much for dropping in Hester!
@Linda
Do not wish away the warm weather Linda… :)
@Tina (PinayInTexas)
Thanks Tina – I appreciate your feedback.
@Sandi G
Welcome Sandi! Thank you for dropping in.
@thecompletecookbook
Thanks Mandy – it was really hard to leave…
@Kristy
Thanks Kristy – I very much enjoyed following your Maine adventures as well and of course, the Ontario tour… :)
@Charles
I’ve read that the ideal time to harvest is indeed after the first frost. However, I can attest to the fact that these late summer hips were delish!
@Anne@frommysweetheart
Thanks Anne – New England takes my breath away. I have been to so-called ‘beautiful’ beaches before but for me, nothing compares to the beauty of the untamed roaring ocean along the East Coast
@Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
Hi Laura, rose hip is a fruit similar to a berry. It is actually the fruit of the rose plant. I don’t grow roses but have seen them growing wild (often close to water) in many locations in Canada and the US.
@Amy @ ElephantEats
Hi Amy, rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant. They ripen in late summer, early fall. They have a tart-sweet taste similar to cranberry. With a little bit of agave and star anise – delightful!
Your photos make me want to go to the seaside so much… And the Maine dishes make me simply want to move to Maine ;-)
I have never had the pleasure to pick rose hips, but I love rose hip jam and syrup. I should look a bit outside of the city and see if I can find some rose hips who have no owner…
You have just reminded me I have to add agave syrup to my shopping list. I have just finished another bottle. It’s one of the most extraordinary discoveries of this year!
Great pictures from what looked like a wonderful vacation!
We’re thinking the same thoughts – bye summer! Beautiful photos and sounds like the perfect vacation! Being from New England I love all those foods. I’ve never thought of cooking from rose hips and haven’t seen any recipes. I love yours! Sounds wonderful and healthy!!!
I was driving to meet a friend for breakfast this morning and saw a woman collecting rosehips in a hedgerow by the side of the row … perhaps she read your post! :-)
Lovely photos and the buildings looks so cute :) specially the stairs!
What a lovely vacation. I also have two boys and could totally relate to the build, defend, destroy of the sand castles (and with blocks, and legos, and train sets, and…) :-)
Rose hip parfait is extremely clever. I’ve only had rose hips in tea. They remind me of a sweet/tangy flavor not unlike hibiscus. I’d caution anyone who wants to harvest their own rosehips from their garden. Only if you’ve used a lot of processed fertilizers and pesticides: you don’t want to consume that stuff.
Looks like a nice tranquil place you have found there. :) Your dessert sounds great and I too will miss summer quite a lot. :(
Cheers,
Tobias
Lovely pics and a beautiful parfait.
Delicious recipe. I was born in Montreal but haven’t been back in years.
Beautiful photos but so sad.. the end of summer.
Kelly—Anybody who uses “Rose-Hips” as an ingrediant in my book is “Brilliant.” I know my hips have gotten larger over the summer.
Love the Vanilla Bean Parfait. Love the photos. Your boys are so cute:)
I must hear more about George H. W. Bush! x
Looks like a lovely vacation, and such a delicious treat :)
Rose hips! I guess I’ve heard of them, but haven’t a clue about them. Interesting!
Sounds like a wonderful holiday, and I love the sand sculpture. Love the combination of flavours you’ve chosen for this dessert!
What a beautiful view!
The parfait with rose hip and vanilla sounds like a perfect dessert to farewell the summer!
Beautiful photos and I love the pics with the boys enjoying the water! I wish the “summer” heat was ending in Florida, my summer goes on a bit longer! But that means this parfait will be great to serve as a cool treat any day!
Sending you some salty ocean breezes from Portland, Maine!
I love having all the Canadians here in the summer. Gives everything such a lovely atmosphere, every one so happy and full of life. Till next year, my foodie friend! :)
Looks like a wonderful vacation. I love the recipe too. I don’t think I’ve ever had rose hips!
This is inspiring! I have some nice, fat rosehips in my yard right now and have been wondering how I could use them.
What a timely post. I was thinking about picking some and I was wondering what to do with them other then the basic tea they are known for. What a delightful idea. I love the addition of anise!
I love the look of your Rose Hip Vanilla Bean Parfait…what a delightful treat!
Great photos, btw. Love them all!
hey Kell, love the pics! Boys looked like they had a ball and got creative too. Love the creative touch to have included rose-hips (never knew they were edible) into a summer desert, great job!
Lynn
Ohhh summer! Lovely pictures and your boys look like they’re having a great time, of course. :)
What a magnificent view you woke up to – fantastic! I too am a summer baby and don’t enjoy winter at all! What fun your boys had building sand castles and swimming in the ocean which was beautifully rounded off with your fabulous parfait!
Have a happy day.
:-) Mandy
Oh Kelly! You made my morning. I love the pictures of Maine. They take me back to our trip as well. And I love the shots of your boys playing in the sand. Mr. N is the same way – he could sit and play, and dig, and discover in the sand all day long. Darn impressive structure the boys made too! And the cottage looks fabulous!!! I’ve never heard of Rose Hip before. I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for that next time. :)
i’ve never even heard or seen of rose hip but the name itself makes me want to try it! love the parfait :). so long summer~ welcome fall!
What a great and tasty sendoff to summer!
Mm, I’ve been enjoying the Maine-related photos on Kristy’s blog at the moment. Looks like the kind of place I’d like to visit! :)
As for this delicious looking treat… I should tell my mother about this – every year she has masses of rose-hips and she never does *anything* with them… it’s such a shame. Did I read somewhere that you need to wait until the first frost before you can use them? (or is it the other way around… if you wait until the first frost then they’re already gone bad or something?)
I see you guys have a lot of fun(still summery) on the beach.
Love the prfait combination too;)
Hi kelly…….. Thank you once again for your
appreciation. Blondies cheesecake are so soft
and creamy……..Your family will be crazy if
you are going to prepare. Let me know…..
Looking through the pictures you took, you
spent an amazing summer in wonderful place,
don’t you?
Ciao
Aria
Stunning photos! I miss summer already, too!
Kelly…I have never tried rose hips…but you have me so intrigued! This parfait looks wonderful! It looks like you had a wonderful time in Maine. I’m originally from New England, but never really had the chance to spend much time there! Looking at your pictures…I wish I had! And I love your sons’ work in the sand! What a great post! : )
I have never tried rose hips before, but all the flavors with it sounds so good. Is rose hip a veggie? Like a radish?
Looks like you and your family had a nice summer vacation – beautiful photos! I’ve never seen rose hips before, so pretty in your parfait.
Oh this looks so delicious! Looks like you and your family had a wonderfully blessed vacation. The pictures are so pretty and wow what a view you woke up to each morning!!
This parfait is super pretty! And yes, so long summer :(
Wow, what a great way to end the summer…that cottage/location look amazing!
What exactly are rose hips? I always assumed it was some name for rose petal flavoring or something…but judging by the pics, I was very wrong.
Vanilla bean anything is my weakness (especially since I don’t like chocolate). This parfait looks amazing!
Looks wonderful! Love the photos!
Aww.. I love your sons sand stairs. They accomplished so much more than me because I can’t build anything in the sand lol. And I just love your parfaits and this vanilla bean parfait is no exception.