Lavender Fields Forever

There are many uses for lavender from beauty products to teas and even used as a "flavoring" in/for food.

A guideline is to use lavender whenever a recipe calls for Rosemary and a good rule of thumb is to use about half the amount of lavender as you would if using rosemary. You should also purchase a Culinary lavender which is picked at the peak of the season. It is cleaned dried and packaged wtih gloves on.

Lavender is overpowering so it's use is "in moderation" in food
otherwise it becomes overpowering and perfumey in taste which
is not desirable.

Lavender is said to help insomnia by using a small sachet in your pillowslip. It is a natural moth repellant, essential oil keeps bee stings from itching and swelling and is said to have a calming effect relieving headaches and anxiety by rubbing essential oil on the temple area.

Sachet Potpourri
2 cups dreid lavender buds
1 cup rose petals
and a few drops of rose water ...
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Lavender Lemonade
Juice of 4 lemons
1 cup sugar
3 cups water (divided)
2 Tbsp. fresh or dried lavender flowers
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Combine sugar and 1 cup water in small sauce pan
Poil until sugar dissolves, remove from heat.
Add lavender flowers and lemon zest. Steep for 20 minutes then
strain.
Combine lemon juice, strained syrup and remaining 2 cups of water in a pitcher. Serve over ice garnished with a fresh lavender
sprig.
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Cedar Planked Salmon
1 untreated cedar plank
1-2 pound salmon filet
1/4 cup apple cider or rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. of paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp fresh or dried lavender buds
2 tsp. chpped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup cup lavender honey
spray bottle filled with water
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours weighted down with a heavy pot.
Mix the spices and herbs with the vinegar in a large zip lock bag
Preheat grill. Place the salmon on the cedar plank and put on the top rack of the grill. Cook over medium high heat 20-30 minutes
until cooked thru. In the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush the salmon with the honey. IMPORTANT: The cedar plank will char easily. Use the spray bottle to mist with water frequently during cooking.
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Lavender Cookies
1 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, slightly beatern
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 Tbsp dreid lavender flowers
Beat butter and sugar till fluffy. Add egg and stir to combine. Add flour and lavender. Stir until a soft dough is formed. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees 13-16 minutes on greased cookie sheet until edges become golden brown.

So there you have it. 4 totally different recipes for lavender....
Give one a try.