Lavender Sugar ~ flavor sugar by burying a few sprigs in a bowl of sugar, and let the mixture sit for few weeks; this makes a sweet gift! Place lavender sugar in a small glass jar. Add a jar with ring and cover with tulle or cotton print. Tie with a pretty bow and add a silver teaspoon for serving into a delicious cup of tea!
Showing posts with label lavender. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lavender. Show all posts
Monday, August 03, 2009
Lavender Sugar
Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
It's going to be a hot one today! With temperature's over 100 degrees yesterday, it appears that today will be no different. Outside chores are best done in the semi-coolness of the early morning on days like this! A quick wander through the yard to turn on the garden water reminded me that my lavender is ready to harvest. It takes awhile to cut the large plants, so I set a goal this morning to harvest two near the back porch. It was such a fragrant task, and Tia decided to join me while I worked. A full bin and a box of fresh cut lavender are now sitting in the house, waiting for me to decide what to do with them. I wonder what lavender syrup would be like? How delicious it would be, added to some sweet lemonade during the months when no lavender bud is available in the garden and ready to cut. I'm sure there's enough for the family to enjoy it during these hot summer days as well.
Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
Cut fresh lavender and remove most of stem. Place about 1/2 cup of lavender flowers in a glass container and pour 2 cups of boiling water over top. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain using a mesh strainer or coffee filters. Combine this lavender infusion with 2 quarts of fresh lemonade. Sweeten with the sweet herb, stevia, for added flavor. Chill and serve over ice. Add a long stem of fresh lavender to the glass (like a straw) for a pretty effect. For sparkling lavender lemonade, add a splash of lemon or lime carbonated beverage or plain soda water.
For times when fresh lavender isn't available, cut some fresh lavender flowers and place in an ice cube tray. Cover with fresh water and freeze until ready to use.
Strawberry and Lavender Lemonade
Strawberry & Lavender Lemonade
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 large strawberries
1 tablespoon lavender flowers, dried
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/4 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
Fresh lavender flower stems for garnish
Combine 2 1/2 cups water, sugar, and strawberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. After sugar dissolves, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in lavender flowers and cover. Allow mixture to cool. Then, strain into a large pitcher, mashing the strawberries as you strain. Add the additional water with the lemon juice and stir well. Pour into tall glass over ice and garnish with a long stem of lavender and bud. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Floral Honey
I have enjoyed spending time learning about botanicals for culinary use. Since the lavender and roses in my yard are grown without pesticides, they are safe to use for food purposes. This afternoon I decided to try to make flavored honey. Rose Blossom Honey and Lavender Honey now sit on my countertop, waiting for toast and tea!
Floral Honey
42 ounces honey
1 cup fresh lavender bud or rose petals
Heat honey in a kettle over a double-boiler. After the honey becomes thin, add flowers and cook for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat. Using a small strainer, pour honey into small jars. Lid and label. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Makes four small jars of honey.
42 ounces honey
1 cup fresh lavender bud or rose petals
Heat honey in a kettle over a double-boiler. After the honey becomes thin, add flowers and cook for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat. Using a small strainer, pour honey into small jars. Lid and label. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Makes four small jars of honey.
Both were delicious and the flavor of the lavender and roses was perfect! If you'd like a rosy color, add food coloring --- two or three drops will do.
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