Heavenly gourmet delights with aromatic lavender
What's the story
Lavender, while most known for its calming aroma, can also add a unique flavor profile to culinary creations. This article features five dishes where lavender is the star of the show, turning everyday ingredients into gourmet experiences. From sweet treats to savory delights, these recipes showcase the versatility of lavender in the kitchen.
Refreshment
Lavender-infused lemonade
Lavender-infused lemonade is a delicious way to switch up a summer classic. To prepare, simmer sugar, water, and dried lavender to create a syrup. Remove the lavender by straining, then combine the syrup with fresh lemon juice and cold water. Serve this fragrant drink over ice for a refreshing hint of lavender.
Side dish
Lavender honey glazed carrots
Take your regular side dish up a notch with these easy and delicious lavender honey glazed carrots. Just roast some carrots in the oven until they're nice and tender. Then, glaze them with a blend of honey, butter, and dried lavender flowers that you've gently warmed on the stove. You'll end up with a dish where the floral notes of lavender meet the sweetness of honey in perfect harmony.
Dessert
Creamy lavender panna cotta
Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert characterized by its velvety creaminess and subtle taste. Infusing lavender into panna cotta is a simple process. You just need to steep heavy cream with dried lavender flowers, then combine it with gelatin and sugar. After setting in molds and chilling, the resulting dessert is a silky delight with a sophisticated sweetness, beautifully complemented by the floral notes of lavender.
Snack
Lavender almond cookies
Baking enthusiasts, ever thought of adding dried culinary-grade lavender to your almond cookies? It's a fun way to switch things up from the usual recipes. Just make sure to finely chop or grind the dried flowers before mixing them into your cookie dough along with almond flour or extract. The result? Cookies that surprise your palate with a delightful crunch, then mellow you out with the calming taste of lavender.
Bread
Savory lavender herb bread
Home-baked bread gets a fragrant upgrade with the addition of lavender. Pair it with robust herbs like rosemary or thyme for a loaf that's anything but ordinary. This savory herb bread (perfect with cheese or alongside soups) combines the enticing aroma of lavender with the complementary flavors of your favorite herbs.