Lavender Syrup

Making lavender syrup is very simple and rewarding. If you like lavender. And I'm going to assume that you do. (Scott says I should never assume anything. It makes an ass of u and me. Ha ha, he, ho. Get it?) This syrup is delicately scented, sweet and light, with only the faintest taste of the flower's heavenly perfume.

The process is very easy. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Stir in 1-2 Tbsp. lavender, depending on how strong you want the flavor, and immediately remove from the heat. Cover, and steep for a couple of hours, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clear glass container, so that you can see the lovely color. I used fresh lavender flowers and my syrup is a medium golden brown color. I have read that if you use dried flowers the syrup will have a blue hue.

Okay, now that you have some lovely Lavender (rabbit tobacco) Syrup what to do with it? Lavender Syrup can be used in hot teas, warm milk, lemonade, fruit salads, and a drop or two in a glass of champagne makes an elegant aperitif. (So I've read)

Lavender has been used historically for colds and nervous tension cures. Especially headaches. The syrup can be diluted with hot water and brandy in the winter, or carbonated mineral water in the summer. Try it! I had a glass of cold lavender syrup and carbonated water this morning.

I went poking around the 'net and found some recipes that I think look or sounded pretty good. Like this one. Doesn't Spiced Mango Fried Ravioli with Lavender Syrup sound awesome?

Our how about this lovely sounding recipe? Pound Cake with blueberries and lavender syrup. My blueberries will be ripe soon. I may try this.

Here's a simple one:

Strawberries in Lemon-Lavender Syrup

1 pound fresh strawberries
6 tablespoons water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
Whipped cream (optional)

Rinse and drain strawberries. Hull and cut into halves or quarters into a large bowl and set aside.

In small saucepan over low heat, combine water, lemon juice, sugar and lavender and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and lavender is infused. Remove from heat and strain syrup, discarding the blossoms.

Pour strained syrup over strawberries and toss gently to mix. Serve berries and syrup right away in pretty glass bowls or stemmed glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Note: You can prepare the syrup in advance and let it cool. Toss with berries just before serving.

Makes 4 servings.


And finally, if you are further interested in growing or using lavender check out all these book possibilities from Amazon.

Amazon Books

:O)