Lavender from the Garden

The lavender in our garden is starting to bloom and I've started picking some of these delicate purple flowers to use in my baking. I have tried to pick them before the buds open fully, and then I've set them on a paper towel in a sunny spot so they can dry out. They smell amazing!

I might use the lavender to make the Strawberry Lavender Muffins that I baked last Fall as they were absolutely delicious. I also may use some of it to make a tea. For those who are into baking with lavender, or those who would like to give it a try, here are some recipes that I've rounded up from around the web. Usually you strain out the lavender and just use the delicate flavor in your baking, although there are a couple of recipes that use the lavender right in the yummy treat.  I haven't tested these ones out, but I'm thinking that I probably will in the near future.

Lavender Tea Cookies - from Once a Week Vegan
Lavender Fudge with Vegan Vanilla Marshmallows - from Sneaky Vegan
Lavender Shortbread - from Vegan Yum Yum
Chocolate Cupcakes with Lavender Icing - from Lindsay is Vegan