TICK-TOCK because I’m running late ! TICK-TOCK because the beauty of these strawberries (pretending to be roses) is fleeting and with a very short lifespan, before just re-melting and disappearing ! I love their “ephemeral” aspect, almost like real roses fading (but at super fast-forward) … but I hope your LOVE can be stronger & longer-lasting than that !

The idea is simple. Instead of candy-coated apples, that are called “POMMES D’AMOUR” (in French) or “LOVE APPLES”, I used strawberries. And yes I know it’s not the season, as my neighbor pointed out to me earlier today as I was walking back home from the organic supermarket down the street, holding a little container of these obviously green-house grown strawberries. I’m actually surprised each time they magically reappear right before Valentine’s Day each year and then disappear until the more appropriate and natural month of May's harvest arrives.

The ratio is simple too : ½ cup sugar (I used white sugar which is something I rarely have except for making baked meringues) + ¼ cup syrup (I used thick pomegranate syrup here) + ¼ cup water (that I divided into 3 tbsp water and 1 tbsp rose water).

WARNING : these little candy-coated fruits are very quick to make and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes but their candy-coating will absorb the strawberry’s humidity and soften about 60-90 minutes later, so consume them quickly or prepare them close to the intended serving time.

May your LOVE be less fleeting & much more ETERNAL than these flletingly-fickle yet delightful strawberry rose-impersonating beauties !

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY . . . :)