Lavender Loves~

Lavender seems to evoke deep and lusty thoughts in the mind, yet with playful and light accents on the surface.
Lavender is romantic, sweet, special, and beautiful...it speaks it's own language.

Many subspecies of Lavandula officinalis are easily cultivated in home gardens, but care should be taken with drying, this concentrates the essential oils and it's often true that after being dried ( unless care is taken as to the how and the length of time of the process ) that one can experience a soapy taste if the essence is too strong or too much is added to a culinary dish.

When using Lavender in cooking, infuse flowers in cream or stock to temper the potency.
The intense character that is sometimes hard to identify in Lavender is faint pine and cedar flavors.

The most loved sweetness is found only in fresh spring growth.

Don't be afraid to experiment with this delightful herb...it is a pure pleasure in whatever form you choose to try.

Pretty little sprigs tied with a dainty ribbon serves as lovely place card holders at any sit down function.

Throw lavender buds at a wedding instead of rice..or mix the two.

Place a handful in any room of the house for a fresh and sweet aroma that last for days and days.

(Lavender Lemonade)

3-1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar ( or ) 1/2 teaspoon Stevia ( sweet herb )
5 fresh lavender flower heads, or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
4 springs fresh lavender, for garnish

Directions
1..Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in a medium saucepan over a hot flame and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2.Add the remaining 2-1/2 cups water and the fresh or dried lavender and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3.(If using dried lavender, put it in a tea ball.
4.Remove from the heat and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes, or until it has a light lavender taste.
5.Strain the mixture into a pretty pitcher, and stir in the lemon juice. Refrigerate until it is cold.
6.To serve, pour the lemonade over a glass of crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender and a lemon slice.

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Lavender Tips~

A cold compress of lavender or a few drops rubbed into the temples will stop a headache in a short time.

Lavender repels insects, and if you are bitten, rub a small amount into the bite and the stinging stops pronto.

Lavender is great for healing minor burns and for washing scrapes ad cuts.

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Sage Hill Farms grows the "English and Munstead" varieties, why not try some and start spring off with a delightful experience.

I will be making lavender biscuits for breakfast...served with whipped butter and honey...yummy~

Happy spring~

Bea Kunz