I've got a few more lavender tricks up my sleeve. I have quite a few bunches of dried lavender. Not only did I get quite a bit from this year's harvest, but I actually had some left over from last year, as well. In my research, I learned that there are tons of culinary uses for lavender. Before considering using your lavender to cook/eat you want to make sure it is grown organically (has not been 'treated' with chemicals). Since I got mine right in the backyard, I am confident it is free of chemicals but if you are purchasing it online, do make sure it is culinary grade.
I decided to start easy. Really easy. Just two ingredients, easy. How about some simple lavender mint tea? Mint is really easy to find at the grocery store but if you grow it, you know it grows like crazy and will take over your garden in a heartbeat! If you don't have any growing, I bet your neighbor might! I love having it growing wild in my backyard. It smells delicious and you can make tea, mint ice cream, cocktails, smoothies, and so much more. Lavender and mint are from the same plant family and I thought they would pair nicely in a tea.
I like to start by gathering up my supplies/ingredients which in this case are very minimal and simple.
You will need: A paper coffee filter, some twine, a handful of fresh mint leaves (I used 1/2 cup but you can add more for a stronger minty flavor), some fresh lavender buds (I used 1/4 cup), a tea kettle, four cups boiling water, and optional agave for sweetening.
Step 1. Take your coffee filter and put about 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves in the middle
I just used a plain old round paper coffee filter because that is what I had. It is a lot thicker than a tea bag so I let mine steep a lot longer. I know that there are special tea sachets you can buy online but I like to improvise and use what I have and this worked just fine. I always thought improvising was a great way to stretch your creative muscles (and my enthusiasm to start a project usually wins over waiting!) I had about 1/2 cup worth of mint so that is what I used but you can really 'up' the minty flavor and add more. This tea was more lavender-y than minty so if you are a big mint lover, by all means add more!
Step 2. Add 1/4 cup of fresh lavender buds.
Step 3: Take a piece of twine and tie it around the top with a nice tight knot.
Step 4: Put your bag of herbs in a kettle and pour 4 cups of boiling water over the top and let the herbs steep. I really let mine go for quite a while (at least 20 minutes) while I was running around doing other things.
Step 5: This is optional. I like my tea with a little sweetener so I added some agave. Add to your liking for four cups worth. ( For example, If you like 1 teaspoon per cup add 4 teaspoons.)
Now pour yourself a cup and enjoy a relaxing calgon moment while ignoring the chaos ensuing around you.
It's O.K to use the nice cups. You're worth it.
My family really enjoyed this tea. It is also wonderful from the fridge as iced tea. If you are having over some girlfriends (or heck, just for your own pleasure), garnish with some mint leaves and sprigs of lavender, when serving.
One more special treat before I go. Maybe you like to settle down with some nice reading while sipping on your special tea. So, just for you, I made this corner bookmark to mark your place. Why? Because you are special and you deserve it!!!
Click HERE to get your free PDF.
Here is how you make it:
Cut around the entire perimeter.
Turn it over and fold down the top triangle.
Next, fold the other triangle down to make a pocket.
Hook the corner onto your book page and VOILA! A cute little page marker. Feel free to color and enjoy....or not....whatever makes you feel fabulous!
Ahhhhh, enjoy!
Warmly,
Pam