Syrup of Poppies

Ingredients

• 3 lbs dried white poppy heads
• 6 lbs distilled water
• 3 lbs double-refined sugar

Directions

1. Slice and bruise the dried poppy heads.

2. Boil the poppy heads in 6 lbs of distilled water until reduced to 3 gallons.

3. Press out the decoction and reduce it by boiling to about 4 pints.

4. Strain the hot liquid through a sieve and then through a thin woolen cloth.

5. Let it sit for 12 hours to allow the grounds to settle.

6. Boil the strained liquid again until it reduces to 3 pints.

7. Dissolve the sugar in the reduced liquid to create the syrup.