Learn about cooking with lavender by using it in several different ways. This fragrant herb has a nice flowery scent that will make your recipes unique.
Lavender is a wonderful plant. It's easy to grow, looks pretty in the garden and can be used for many purposes. Previously I wrote a post about how to use lavender to help you sleep. However, cooking with lavender is another great way to utilize this wonderful herb. Typically, people think of basil and rosemary when cooking with herbs but lavender is one that has a unique but interesting taste.
Cooking with Lavender
Lavender Sugar
Use it to flavor sugar that you mix into your hot or iced tea. Just layer clean buds with regular sugar in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. After about 2 weeks the sugar will be nicely scented.
Use the lavender sugar to make a fragrant whipped cream by whipping the sugar with heavy cream.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Make a simple syrup with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and a handful of fresh clean lavender buds. Just place them in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Use the syrup on pancakes or to make lavender lemonade by mixing lemon juice, water, and a little syrup.
Lavender Cookies
Lavender can also be used to make distinctive cookies. I use the same recipe for lemon thyme cookies to make lavender cookies substituting the thyme with 1 tablespoon of lavender buds. These cookies are perfect for coffee and tea dipping.
Note: A little lavender goes a long way. Be careful not to add too much, or your dish may be overwhelmingly fragrant like perfume.
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When using lavender from the garden try to cut it before the flower buds open. Rinse with water and let air dry. English lavenders are good culinary choices.
Lavender Spice Mix
For savory options consider making your own Herbes de Provence. This is a traditional French blend of spices that I like to add to my herbal vinaigrette in the winter when fresh herbs are not readily available. It's also a great dry rub on chicken. I've even heard that some like to sprinkle it on their omelets.
Lavender Vinegar
You can also make lavender vinegar for salad dressings, as a meat or vegetable marinade, even for cleaning the house. Lavender is said to have natural antibacterial qualities along with the vinegar making it a nice choice for homemade cleaners.
If you are already growing it, you must give cooking with lavender a try in the kitchen. Don't have lavender growing in your garden? You can purchase culinary or food-grade lavender online.
P.S. If you like the idea of cooking with lavender you may also enjoy making a Scented Geranium Cake or Beautyberry Jelly. You can find these and many more tasty ideas on my Recipes Page.
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DEBRA A. DUMITRIU
Hi Patti, i have lavender buds in a jar that i purchased also lavender extract I wanted to try it in springerle or maybe a sugar cookie with cardamom or lemon what do you think and how should i go about it? Thanks Deb
Patti Estep
Hi Deb. First make sure that the buds you purchased can be used for culinary use. You may not want anything that was sprayed with pesticides. The extract should be fine. You can use the extract like you might use vanilla in cookies. It may be pretty strong so you may want to start with less, say 1/4-1/2 teaspoon. If the lavender buds are ok to ingest try making a simple syrup with equal parts water and sugar say 1 cup each. Add maybe 1/2 cup of lavender buds and heat them on the stove gently until the sugar disappears. You can use the syrup with fresh lemon and water to make lavender lemonade or add a little to your ginger ale. Enjoy.
Gail
Patti,
I remember having those Lavender cookies with you in years past, that we’re subtle but delicious. Actually it added a bit of refinement to our food evenings!
Delish,
Gail F
Patti Estep
Yes Gail! Those were the days. Thanks for the kind comment.
Carole West
Oh Patti I love this one as lavender is one of my favorites herbs. Placed this post on my herb board and have actually made similar cookies during the summer months.
Hope your week is great and you find joy along the way.
Hugs,
Carole
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. It's one of my favorites too and so easy to grow here.
Rebecca
I was looking for pickle recipes and was delighted to find your lavender posts. I just harvested it today and I’m going to try one of your recipes.
Patti Estep
That's great to hear Rebecca. I hope you enjoy them.
Ramona
When I cook venison roast I cut small slits insert garlic clove slivers, randomly all around, then sprinkle entire roast with lavender buds. Bake as usual 325 degrees till done. I've had hunters tell me it was the best they ever ate.
Patti Estep
That's so interesting Ramona. I've never cooked venison before but I do know a few people that do and I'm going to suggest this to them. Thanks for sharing.
fwiwJeannie
I've been out harvesting my 2 lavender plants this morning. I tied a large bundle for my daughter in law and now I'm about to try layering it with sugar as you suggest.
Patti Estep
Hi Jeannie,
That's great news. Let me know how you like it!
Patti
Brianna
The simple syrup looks beautiful too! Thanks for the tips, I grow and love lavender, but it usually just stays in the yard.
Patti
Hi Brianna,
Try it with fresh lemon and water to make lavender lemonade when you have the time. It's a nice upgrade. You can also add some seltzer to keep it light and refreshing. Thanks for stopping by.
Patti
Marie
I love this! I love lavender and hope to add it to my front garden next year. I would have never thought of layering it with sugar. What a fantastic idea!
Patti
Thanks Marie! It's so easy and if you like lavender you will love it.