Lavender Fields

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"

- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Lavender just makes me want to dive straight into my favorite girl hood book, Anne of Green Gables. There's something terrifically romantic about lavender, the scent of it, the look of it the way it captures one's imagination. Why it could be a nosegay, a window decoration, the frosting on a perfectly bookish bath or even honey! It certainly stirs the inner victorian in my soul, creating the desire for lace gloves and fantastically dramatic tea parties. Well what a better way than with some home made lavender honey.

Not only is it delicious, but it would make a truly elegant hostess gift or the perfect accessory to a gift basket. The uses are many, but one of my favorite is lavender honey ice cream which we'll make next week! So go find a field of lavender, bring a blanket, Anne, a bottle of wine and enjoy an amazing summer evening...just don't forget to bring home some of the floral buds!

To get started we need some lavender, which you can find at your farmer's market, a specialty gourmet shop, or (lucky me!) in the back yard.  I always pick a little extra and place in vases around the house, I especially love my little book nook placement. 

Lavender Honey

Ingredients:  1 1/2 Tbs dried lavender buds

8 oz raw honey

Small jar

Begin by gently removing the buds from the stems.  Pinch the stem between two fingers and rub them off into your empty jar.   

Once you have gathered the necessary amounty dump into small sauce pan.  Cover with honey and bring to a simmer for 30 minutes to allow lavender to fully permeate the honey.  Strain the lavender out of the honey and set aside.  Pour the infused honey into your small jar and allow to rest for 1 week to fully develop flavors. 


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WHISKY TIP: Save the honey lavender bits and add to tea, or pour water over and bring to boil to create lavender simple syrup for cocktails and aguas frescas!



P.S. Your house will smell so amazing afterwards, so be sure and invite someone over to share!