Lavender Gardening

Lavender Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:12:00 +0000

Lavender has a mild taste, but it works really well with vegetables like spinach, in wilted spinach salad, and asparagus. It's also a tasty addition to trout. If you'd like an easy recipe for making your own lavender salt, I included one in my herb blog, The Herb Gardener a couple of weeks ago.

I even have a great rub you can use with your newly made lavender salt. It's a flavorful addition to rabbit, lamb, and scallops. It uses green tea as a base, and although that sounds unusual, it's delicious:

Lavender Tea Rub Recipe

2 tablespoons of green tea (ground fine)

½ teaspoon lavender salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon dried lavender flowers (ground fine) optional

If you'd really like to amp up the lavender flavor, add a half teaspoon of lavender flowers to the tea mixture before you grind it.

Lavender Salt Recipe

Lavender Sugar Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:33:00 +0000

Want to make sugar cookies with an interesting and delicious twist? Make them with lavender sugar.

Lavender infused sugar gives sugar cookies a little something extra. When you pair natural lavender flavoring with lavender coloration, they're a sure winner for special occasions like holidays. Include lavender sugar cookies in a lavender themed basket, complete with a lavender candle, lavender bath salts, and a lavender sleep pillows.

Lavender is a relaxing scent that's as attractive to men as it is to women. Make lavender your signature scent, and show off your new appreciation for everything lavender with a basket of lavender sugar cookies.

Lavender Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups lavender sugar (For instructions follow the link below)
1 cup butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lavender Cookie Directions

Sift all dry ingredients except ¼ cup lavender sugar. Incorporate butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in beaten egg and vanilla. On a floured surface, roll dough onto a floured surface to 1/8 inch. Cut into shapes and sprinkle with reserved sugar. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 6 - 8 minutes, in a preheated 400°F oven.

Lavender Sugar Directions

Lavender Apple Cake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:51:00 +0000

I love this on cool evenings. It's doubly good with lavender ice cream.

Lavender Apple Cake Recipe

2 eggs
2 cups pealed and thinly sliced apples
11/4 cups lavender sugar
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and set aside. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with a whisk or blender until light and foamy. Add sugar to the eggs while stirring constantly. Add flour mixture a little at a time until completely blended. Add nuts and fold in apples.
Grease a baking pan and add mixture carefully. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lemon Lavender Glaze

½ stick of butter
1 cup sifted lavender confectioners' sugar (prepared as for lavender granulated sugar)
1 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Add sugar to softened butter and beat well. Add lemon juice and blend well. Spread on warm cake.

I will typically color a little granulated sugar lavender and sprinkle it on top of the glaze.

Special Note: The longer you let the lavender sugar mixture sit, the more flavorful it will be.

Making Lavender Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Last summer I experimented with a number of recipes using lavender. A few of my dessert efforts came out very well. You might like to try them.

If you are planning a dinner party or informal get together, offering something unusual that gives people a chance to try a dish that's new to them can stimulate conversation and make your party an occasion.

Dishes and ingredients that people might be reluctant to make for their small households, or order at expensive restaurants, can be a big hit when offered to them as guests. Even people who are reluctant to try new things will be more adventuresome when it comes to desserts in particular. I don't know why. Give a couple of these upcoming recipes a try, and don't forget to place a vase of cut lavender on the table.

For the recipe below, I infuse whole milk with lavender. The ratio is one heaping tablespoon of lavender for each cup of milk. If you are purchasing the lavender, it should be culinary quality. I use English lavender from my garden, and include flowers as well as a few leaves.

Making Lavender Milk or Cream

I tie dried lavender flowers and leaves into a coffee filter and place the little packet in cold milk or cream, bringing it slowly to a temperature of about 190 Degrees Fahrenheit in a heavy duty saucepan. (Don't let it boil.) I discard the filter after about an hour, and then let the milk cool completely in the refrigerator. I have also tried using lavender sugar to flavor ice cream, but like the stronger punch of the lavender milk better.

Caramel Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

This is a variation on the honey lavender ice cream that's been experiencing some popularity. My husband prefers caramel to honey, so I fashioned my own recipe. The lavender rescues the ice cream from cloying sweetness.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
1 ½ cups cream (not half and half)
1 cup whole milk (with lavender infusion above)
9 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Boil water and sugar in a heavy-duty saucepan until the mixture turns reddish amber. This can be tricky, both because the mixture can be hot and sticky, and because it goes from ready to burnt and inedible pretty quickly. Keep a close watch on it, and push the ingredients away from the sides of the pan with a wooden spoon to promote even cooking, but otherwise, leave it alone.

Remove the pan from the heat and add cream in a steady, even stream, stirring constantly. Keep at it until all of the caramel has been completely dissolved.

In a large bowl, separate eggs and reserve the yolks, add salt and blend until smooth.

Return the saucepan to the stove and add milk, stirring until the caramel mixture simmers. Remove from the heat.

Whisk the caramel into the egg yolks a little at a time until completely blended. Start SLOWLY.

Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Never allow to boil.

Strain if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until cool.

You can now prepare the mixture according to the directions provided with your ice cream maker.

Serve with lemon wavers.

Photo courtesy of J. Skrepnek. You can see other photo collections by this photographer at: flickr.com

Quick Lavender Chicken Bake

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:13:00 +0000

Chicken with lavender, particularly with the addition of a little thyme, makes a great main dish. I use a generic seasoned coating mix (shake/bake) product as a base and then add the herbs, baking according to package directions. Because our family likes both white and dark meat, I use a combination of thighs, legs, and breast pieces.

Easy Savory Dish Using Lavender

I get regular inquiries about savory dishes using lavender, and this is the quickest and easiest. If you want to get an idea of how lavender tastes in cooking, this is the recipe to try.

Lavender Chicken Herb Bake Recipe

8 Assorted Chicken Pieces
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
½ teaspoon lavender leaves, dried and ground
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground thyme
One packet of seasoned coating mix

Mix seasonings with coating mix and place in a plastic bag or flat bottom dish. Set aside. Clean and pat chicken pieces dry. Coat chicken lightly with olive oil and dip in herb and crumb mixture. Bake according to package directions.

Special note: Use the leaves of English lavender for cooking. There are a number of shake/bake type products out there. Avoid spiced blends and go with the basic original variety.

Lavender Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:24:00 +0000

If you like the fragrance of lavender, try a relaxing lavender tea. A natural muscle relaxer, lavender tea will work on your body as well as your taste buds, giving you some needed down time.

The addition of a few dried lavender flowers can elevate a tea break into a quick and effective aromatherapy session, but straight lavender can be harsh if you aren't used to it, so try this lavender blend to start.

Lavender Tea Recipe

1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (English lavender)
1 tablespoon English Breakfast tea
a dash of fresh lemon
sugar or honey to taste

To prepare, pour two cups of boiling water over the tea leaves and lavender and allow to steep for five to ten minutes. Add lemon, strain, add sugar or honey to taste.

Special Note:

Before anyone corrects me, let me explain that 'tea' proper is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, and all other pretenders are actually infusions.

Lavender 'tea' is a popular name, and a tasty brew, once you get used to it. It really is relaxing, and works well to take the edge off a hectic day, or to help you get into a sleepy frame of mind at night. It's like Earl Gray tea in that it has a bit of a bite that's a surprise at first. Try it.

The wonderful photo that accompanies this post is courtesy of 1bluecanoe. You can see other example of this photographer's fine works at: flickr.com

Lavender Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Over the last few months, as part of this blog and also in The Herb Gardener, I've put together a number of lavender related how-tos and articles of interest. I love lavender and hope that you do too. Below I have a recap of articles to date. If you've missed any, please take a look.

Lavender perfume in your home will make visitors feel more welcome, and special gifts like lavender pillows, lavender soap, lavender candles, and lavender water will show your friends and family how much you care.

*Growing Lavender

*Understand Lavender Varieties

*Lavender's 'Lucky" Reputation

*Propagating Lavender

*Keeping Lavender Indoors

*Lavender in History

*Lavender in Literature (Quotes)

*Herbes de Provence Recipe

*The Legend of Four Thieves Vinegar

*Make Lavender Bath Salts

*Make Lavender Sugar

*Make Lavender Facial Scrub

*Make Lavender Water

*Make an Easy Lavender Candle

*Make Lavender Bubble Bath

*Make Lavender Sunburn Treatment

Growing Lavender

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:33:00 +0000

If you are a lavender novice, you may want to create some of the neat projects on these pages but need some help with the basics of planting and growing your own lavender stock. I have created a beginner article on lavender that will give you a basic introduction, please visit it at: Understanding Lavender

If you want a recap of lavender articles, tips, tricks, and interesting tidbits of lavender history, visit my lavender index: Become a Lavender Expert

I've covered some interesting topics, including lavender aromatherapy, candles, bath salts, facial scrub, and more. Even though I've only scratched the surface of what lavender has to offer the herbalist, cook, and crafter, getting a few plants in the ground comes first, so put planting lavender on your to-do list this season.

Herbal Sunburn Treatment – Lavender Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Lavender has properties that naturally sooth the skin. Abused skin that is tender and painful as a result of sun or wind burn will feel better when treated with lavender oil.

Easy and inexpensive to make, this oil stores well in your refrigerator, and is a cool and relaxing alternative to commercially available sunburn preparations. Don't confuse lavender oil (a blend) with essential oil of lavender (concentrated lavender essence). In its concentrated form, essential oil of lavender can be an irritant and should never come in direct contact with the skin. Use it as an ingredient, not alone.

Lavender Oil Recipe

To make a soothing lavender oil combine ½ cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Add 12 drops of essential oil of lavender to the mix. Shake well before using. Apply gently with a cotton swab.

Candle Making Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:59:00 +0000

It always pay to be prepared for your projects, and with this in mind, the following list of candle making gear should get you started.

Wax (paraffin, soy, beeswax, fat, or a combination)

Wicks (either pre-purchased or handmade)

Containers or Molds (Test all glass containers for suitability by filling them with boiling water. If they don't break, they're sturdy enough to use as candle containers.)

Candy Thermometer (Wax can ignite if it gets too hot. The thermometer is a precautionary measure. Always follow the temperature instructions that came with your wax.)

Fragrance (I like aromatherapy grade essential oils for this step.)

Dyes (Wax specific. Available where wax and wicks are sold.)

Double Boiler (or a container that can be used as a double boiler. For soy wax you can also use your microwave.)

Basic Process

You melt the wax, either one type, or a combination, in a double boiler or other two pan arrangement where the wax is melting in a water bath, not directly on a heat source. Color and add fragrance to the melted wax, and pour the hot mixture into a container or mold in which you have placed a wick. Make sure the container will sustain the heat of the melted wax by seeing if it will stand up to boiling water. Allow the wax to dry then top off with hot wax to smooth the surface, trim the wick, and use.

For more information on wax, wicks, fragrance and dyes, please see:

Candle Making Tips and Tricks
Make Easy Lavender Aromatherapy Candles

Making an Easy Lavender Aromatherapy Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:23:00 +0000

Candles are easy to make, and combining lavender aromatherapy with subdued candlelight is a great recipe for relaxation. Whether you want to indulge in a candle for a lavender scented bath, romantic dinner for two, or as a mood enhancing tools to get the party started, being able to make lavender scented candles for pennies is a good trick to know.

First some cautions:

For safety, have a candy thermometer on hand. If wax gets too hot it can combust.

When working with wax, use a large pot into which you can place a smaller pot. This is commonly known as a double boiler, but there's no need to go for the expensive kitchen gadgets, you just want to be able to float one pot inside another. Many recipes will use a microwave instead of melting wax on the stove too. The recipe below uses a microwave, but having a double boiler on hand will give you additional options and allow you to work with other kinds of wax, like paraffin.

Keep the kids and animals out of the kitchen for this one, at least until you get the hang of it. Wax is HOT and it sticks, so you'd better do this in a controlled environment with fewer chances for accidents.

Have plenty of paper towels or newspapers on hand for cleanup.

When selecting containers, particularly for jar candles, choose a sturdy vessel. You can finesse a candle into a fragile glass or jar, but then you have to worry later that it will get too hot and shatter. Err on the side of caution and pick a glass container that is going to hold up if things get hot.

Making Lavender Scented Candles

To make my lavender candles, I use four cups of soy wax to which I add ten drops of aromatherapy quality lavender essential oil. I often refrain from using any dye. I melt the wax in the microwave then add the fragrance and stir. (Microwave temperatures vary, so read the instructions for the wax you're using for recommendations. Unless you know the wattage of your microwave, start with the lowest melting time and work up from there in thirty second increments.) I then pour the mixture into glass containers that I've tested beforehand with boiling water and preheated in a warm oven. I center wicks (the rigid variety with bases and zinc cores) in the containers and pour the wax into them carefully.

Once the candles have cooled completely, I heat a little reserved wax and pour it on top to fill in any depressions created by the cooling process. After the wax has hardened, I trim the wicks. I can usually get four to five candles per batch, but the size of your container will determine how many candles you'll be able to make.

If this is your first attempt at candle making, please read about the basics in my articles: Candle Making Basics and Candle Making Tips and Tricks. Making your own aromatherapy candles can be satisfying and economical. It can also be dangerous, so understand what you're doing before you begin.

Homemade Lavender Water

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:58:00 +0000

Making your own lavender water is easy and economical. All you need is an inexpensive Vodka, a bottle of lavender essential oil, and some distilled water. A little oil and Vodka go a long way, and a bottle of each will last for months, if not years. You can use the lavender as a mild antibacterial, air freshener, as a fragrance for linens, or as an aromatherapy agent.

Lavender has tested as a useful agent in slowing your central nervous system, and lavender water, sashets, bath salts, oils, and other lavender related products do help in relaxing you, calming your nerves, and helping you sleep: Lavender Water Recipe

Lavender Bed Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:11:00 +0000

I've had a difficult time sleeping for years. I wake up at night, toss and turn, and have a terrible time getting back to sleep. It seems to come in cycles, a few weeks of restful sleep, and then more trouble. One of the things that I've found really helps me is placing a lavender bag near or inside my pillow.

I use a small muslin teabag filled with dried lavender flowers. Sometimes I'll accompany this with a soothing bath with filled with lavender bath salts. It really works.

I buy small muslin bags in packages of about a dozen. (I make up extra bags as gifts.) They are small enough to fit easily in the pillowcase without making a bump. I can smell the lavender, but just barely.

If you are having trouble sleeping through the night, give it a try.

Make Lavender Facial Scrub

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:19:00 +0000

Sometimes the best products are the ones you make yourself. This easy lavender facial scrub recipe uses three ingredients to make a mixture that will clean your face and help it heal itself. It is all natural and it takes about five minutes to prepare a batch.

Lavender Facial Scrub

If you add a few whole lavender flowers to the mix, this makes a beautiful gift. In a pretty glass bottle tied with a lavender ribbon, it's a sure winner. While you're at it, make up some lavender bath salts to go along with it and you have the beginnings of a very nice gift basket.

Lavender in History

noreply@blogger.com (Sara Elliott) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 01:43:00 +0000

Lavender is one of the most versatile of herbs. It isn't used extensively in cooking, but few other herbs have as rich or romantic a history as lavender.

As attractive to men as to women, lavender is truly a fragrance for everyone, and its therapeutic value in aromatherapy makes it one of the prime herbs for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Become a lavender lover by finding room for lavender in your garden, kitchen, bedroom, and bath.

I have prepared a number of articles about lavender, and today's involves its long history. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and read about the history of lavender: Lavender in History .

Before you go, remember that lavender is lucky, so this spring, plant a versatile English lavender plant in your front garden and see who drops by for a visit.