Frances Bivins' "Organdy" Magnolia Leaves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

about 25 fresh magnolia leaves
1 c. lye
6 c. water
1/2 c. vinegar
3 c. water
1/3 c. bleach
2 c. water

Preparation

Select about 25 fresh magnolia leaves.
Dissolve lye in 6 cups water in a glass or enamel container.
Heat the solution to simmering and simmer the leaves 30 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Remove and place in solution of vinegar and 3 cups water. Lift leaves out, one at a time, and rinse under running water. Brush with a soft brush, from stem-end down, until transparent skeleton leaf remains.
Bleach with bleach and 2 cups water.
Rinse.