Until just a few short weeks ago, I was firmly planted on the Lavender-should -be-smelled -and-not-eaten side of the fence. I was the girl in cooking school who, when it came time for us all to try the Lavender-infused ice cream in the orange blossom tuile, tried desperately to hide her gagging after having the teensiest bite imaginable.
To me, Lavender belonged in a sachet, not a sorbet.
You won’t find me running to any Lavender themed buffets just yet, but I am warming up to those slender spikes of mauve in surprising ways. Like someone at work you didn’t realize you had a crush on until that boozey good-bye hug at the Christmas party. I find myself intrigued and just a little fascinated.
Lavender Syrup, Chez MoiAnother cooking school flashback . Simple syrup! I would make a Lavender simple syrup. I wasn’t sure what I would do with it , but there I was late one night boiling up water and sugar, and throwing in a handful of stiff purple blosssoms, the smell saturating the kitchen in day-spa proportions.There was no turning back now.I strained the sweet aromatic mix into a clear, slender bottle. The color was disappointingly muddy(maybe use white death sugar next time?), but the taste, oh my!
The Lavender syrup has found itself being poured over, or into, many things in my house this past week….
- lemon ice cream with fresh raspberries. wow.
- rooibos tea, hot and cold. Gulped and loved by ten year olds!
- Earl grey tea. The knock-out double flower effect kept me reaching for the kettle.
- Lavender spritzer impressed my guests( and myself!) with it’s refreshing floral hit
Feeling the need to explore? Make your own- It’s so easy!
Lavender Syrup
2 cups water
2 cups white(ish) sugar
generous handful of fresh lavender blossoms
method
Bring all to a low simmer for 5 minutes.
walk away.
Come back in an hour or so.
Strain into a clean glass jar. When it is completely cooled, put
it in your fridge!
Keeps well for at least two weeks.
Lavender Spritzer
1/2 cup lemonade
1/2 cup fizzy water of your choice
2 T. lavender syrup
Tall glass, lots of ice, stir and serve!
I served mine with a few fresh raspberries, and a couple of sprigs of lavender.
I have a sneaking suspicion that an ounce or so of vodka would find a cozy home in that glass as well. Just a thought.
