Cooking with Lavender
Lavender is such a versitile herb that many delicious recipes can be made. From refreshing drinks to delctable entrée's you will find a recipe you'll love. The variety of Lavender to use is a personal preference, but we recommend Melissa (best), Hidcote (good) or any other English variety of lavender. Make sure the lavender you use is not sprayed with chemicals. Below are some of our favorites for you to try.
Drinks
Purple Passion Lavender-Mint Punch found on recipezaar.com
A favorite of Kathy Kimbrough
Punch
3 T. fresh mint leaves
2-3 T. fresh lavender blossoms or 1T. dried lavender blossoms
6 c. boiling water
1 liter ginger ale, chilled
1 c. purple grape juice
Garnish
mint leaf ice cubes
thinly sliced orange (or lemons)
lavender flowers
mint sprig
MINT LEAF ICE CUBES: To make the mint leaf ice cubes, place one whole mint leaf in each ice cube tray compartment. Fill the tray with water and freeze until completely solid.
TEA/PUNCH: Place the fresh mint leaves and lavender in a teapot, pour the boiling water over the leaves and brew for 10 minutes. Allow tea to cool completely. Strain the tea and add the grape juice. Add the ginger ale and mint ice cubes just before serving. Garnish each serving with an orange or lemon slice, if desired. Makes approximately 12 cups.
Spices
Herbs de Provence
Used for marinating meats, fish and veggies and is especially good with grilled foods. There are many variations of this recipe.
2 parts Dried Rosemary
2 parts Dried Marjoram
1 part Dried Winter Savory
1 part Dried Oregano
1/2 part Dried Lavender Flowers
1/2 part Dried Peppermint Leaves
Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Place into an airtight container and store in a dark, dry pace. Best used within a few weeks if dried. You can use fresh herbs, but it would take three times as many herbs for the recipe calls for. Fresh herbs de provence is best if used the same day.
Lavender Sugar
2 c. Granulated Sugar
2 sprigs Lavender
Place ingredients in a jar or tightly sealed container. Keep in a warm place and shake container daily. Strain out lavender from sugar with a sieve before using.
