I love finding an extra twist for my favourite jam recipes and this Blackberry & Lavender Jam doesn't disappoint. There is a secret ingredient that gives it an extra lift as well. 1 kg Blackberries (I used frozen) Juice and zest of a large lemon 1 tbsp lavender (I used lavender sold for tea) 1 kg Jam Setting Sugar A knob of butter (about 10g) 1 tbsp orange blossom water Heat the blackberries, lemon and lavender in a preserving pan, crushing the fruit coarsely with a … [Read more...]
Making Lavender-Infused Vodka (or Gin)
Lavender is a versatile edible flower that can be used in so many different ways and not just for oil or those quaint lavender bags that grandmothers use to scent their clothing drawers (and not just grandmothers I have to say - I've always loved using lavender sachets). I have used it to make lavender shortbread, lavender syrup and lavender sugar. I saw an advert for a lavender gin and thought how hard can it be to make lavender-infused vodka or gin myself? There are all manner of recipes … [Read more...]
Lavender Shortbread Recipe
This Lavender Shortbread Recipe is very simple, has a delicious flavour and is perfect to give as a gift. The biscuits (or the dough) can be kept in the freezer for when you need a little something to give to someone. You can experiment with different shaped cookie cutters if you want or use a letter press to stamp words into your shortbread as I did. Ingredients 250 g butter 3/4 cup icing sugar 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried or fresh lavender flowers 2 cups flour pinch of … [Read more...]
Lavender Syrup Recipe
I have been growing lots of herbs and other edible flowers, so when I saw this simple lavender syrup recipe I just had to try it. It has a wonderful summery flavour, and is delicious mixed with a fresh berry and nectarine fruit salad or drizzled over grilled peaches. Poured into decorative bottles it makes a great gift - combine it with some lavender or vanilla sugar for a sweet treat for someone. 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise or 2 tsp vanilla extract grated … [Read more...]
Making Sugar Scrubs
When I was making lavender and other flavoured sugars and syrups, I was reminded that too much sugar is bad for us. But this recipe is a use for sugar that really is good for you! You can make a luxurious and beneficial skin treatment that is used in top end spas - and for a fraction of the price. A sugar scrub is a body treatment designed to exfoliate the skin, removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and leaving your skin softer and smoother. It is one of the gentlest of all the … [Read more...]
Lavender & Other Flavoured Sugars
When I was making Lavender & Lemon Cheesecake, the recipe called for some lavender sugar to decorate it with. I know sugar is seen as something we should be reducing in our diets but flavouring sugar makes it a treat that we can enjoy just a little of to make something really special. Making lavender sugar couldn't really be any simpler: mix lavender flowers and sugar and leave in a jar for at least a week. You can use fresh or dried lavender flowers - just make sure you are using … [Read more...]
Lemon & Lavender Cheesecake
I was watching a lifestyle programme about a lavender farm and they made a by all accounts delicious lavender and lemon cheese cake. I am always looking for interesting things to make with produce from my garden - particularly edible flowers - so this had to be a 'must try'. They didn't really give a recipe but I scribbled down some key points and ingredients, and decided to give it a try. Biscuit base: 250g packet plain sweet biscuits e.g. round wine 150g … [Read more...]