Herbes de Provence is a general term for a variety of herbs that can include oregano, thyme, savory, rosemary and lavender (not always included). It is to be used in cooking and not as a finishing herb and can be adapted to taste with your preferences. It is not to be mistaken for fines herbes … Continue reading
I am fortunate to have a store near me that sells all kinds of vinegars/oils/cookbooks/gifts, classes and lots of recipes using their products. As mentioned in another post I am very fond of the flavored balsamic vinegars. Fustini’s sells so many varieties and you can buy them in 60 ml, 200 ml and 375 ml … Continue reading
The honeybees are very busy here in Michigan as they gather pollen from the remaining flowers still blooming. This bee is enjoying my lavender flowers which is a favorite. Food is scarce now and they do become a bit aggressive in their search for “sugar”. Winters are long here and they are trying to be … Continue reading
Compound butters are wonderful to make ahead and have on hand when you prepare your meal. Whether you put it on your biscuits, vegetables, fish or steak it adds a nice flavor to your recipe. As my lavender is blooming I decided to make one fit for the summer season and served it with cream … Continue reading
It is the season for strawberries here in Michigan. They are so red and juicy and best of all they taste delicious! This loaf cake has it all with a tender crumb filled with fresh strawberries, a cream cheese filling and a light lavender-lemon glaze drizzled on top. The strawberries were only $1.50/quart so I … Continue reading
Lavender is probably my favorite aromatic flower to use in baking. It lends itself to desserts such as custard, bread, ice cream and cookies. I also love to use it in drinks and savory recipes too! Just search “lavender” and you will find a bunch of recipes. This cookie recipe is heavenly to say the … Continue reading
I love using lavender in recipes and a cold iced coffee sounded like another perfect way to use the flower buds from this fragrant herb. Normally I only drink black coffee every morning – no sugar or milk. This iced coffee was not sweet or rich tasting. Except for the calories I would drink this … Continue reading
As time goes by I am making more of my own salad dressings, versus using bottled varieties from the grocery store. There is so much flexibility in making your own vinaigrette or salad dressing using preferred ingredients (often healthier) of your choice. You can make your own vinegar, use the oil you like, type of … Continue reading
I frequently see recipes I want to make and I will print the recipe and put it in a file to make later. However, there are a few times when I run across a recipe that I want to make right now. Chef Ronit’s lavender loaf cake is one of those recipes. See ronitpenso.wordpress.com/2017/10/15/lavender-pistachio-and-lime-cake/ Funny … Continue reading
It’s the middle of November and my lavender still looks pretty good, even though it is the second flowering of the year which always means reduced flowers. The smell and taste is just as wonderful as it was in the summer. With 15 plants I am very happy this is a perennial in Michigan. One good thing … Continue reading