Lavender Syrup
Lavender Syrup Recipe - A Must-Try Vegetarian Food from France
Introduction
Lavender syrup is a versatile and fragrant addition to many recipes, adding a unique floral flavor to drinks, desserts, and more. This recipe will show you how to make your own lavender syrup at home.
History
Lavender has been used in cooking for centuries, prized for its aromatic and calming properties. Lavender syrup is a modern twist on this traditional ingredient, adding a sweet and floral note to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tbsp of fresh or dried lavender flowers
- 1 small piece of lemon rind, with all white removed
How to prepare
- Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and boil until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add lavender flowers and lemon rind.
- Steep for twenty minutes and strain. Refrigerate.
lavender Wine Cooler
- Pour two tablespoons of lavender syrup into the bottom of a goblet.
- Add a slice of fresh peach and top with Vidal Blanc.
- Variation: In place of peach, add two or three white alpine strawberries.
Fresh Fruit & lavender cream
- Pour 0.5 cup of lavender syrup over fresh cut summer fruit such as peaches or nectarines and allow to blend for 0.5 hour.
- To make the cream, add two tablespoons of lavender syrup to 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Whip the cream to soft peaks and serve over the fruit. Garnish with fresh lavender flowers.
Variations
- Try adding a splash of lavender syrup to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a unique flavor combination. You can also experiment with different fruits or herbs to create your own custom syrup blends.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When making lavender syrup, be sure to use fresh or dried lavender flowers for the best flavor. Be careful not to over-steep the flowers, as this can result in a bitter taste. Strain the syrup well to remove any bits of lavender before using.
Serving Suggestions
Lavender syrup can be used to sweeten drinks such as tea, lemonade, or cocktails. It can also be drizzled over desserts like ice cream or pound cake for a floral twist.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making lavender syrup is to infuse the sugar and water with the lavender flowers and lemon rind, then strain the mixture to remove any solids. This creates a smooth and fragrant syrup.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh lavender flowers, you can use dried lavender instead. You can also experiment with different types of citrus zest in place of the lemon rind for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Lavender syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to strain the syrup well before storing to prevent any bitterness.
Presentation Ideas
Serve lavender syrup in a decorative bottle or jar for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish drinks or desserts with fresh lavender flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
Pairing Recommendations
Lavender syrup pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, berries, and herbs like mint or thyme. Try experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store lavender syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If the syrup thickens, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop to loosen it up.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of lavender syrup contains approximately 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of lavender syrup contains approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Lavender syrup is fat-free.
Proteins
Lavender syrup does not contain any protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Lavender syrup is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.
Alergens
Lavender syrup may contain allergens such as pollen, so be cautious if you have allergies to flowers or plants.
Summary
Lavender syrup is a sweet and flavorful addition to recipes, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and calories per serving.
Summary
Lavender syrup is a simple and delicious way to add a floral touch to your favorite recipes. Whether you use it in drinks, desserts, or savory dishes, this syrup is sure to impress with its unique flavor profile.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through a farmer's market when I stumbled upon a small stand selling homemade lavender syrup. The sweet, floral scent wafted through the air, drawing me in like a bee to honey.
I struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She told me that she had been making lavender syrup for years, using a recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a smile, she handed me a faded piece of paper with handwritten instructions.
Over the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people, but there was something special about this one. Perhaps it was the nostalgia of tradition, or the allure of a secret passed down through the ages. Whatever it was, I knew I had to learn how to make lavender syrup.
I gathered the ingredients – fresh lavender flowers, sugar, water, and a splash of lemon juice – and set to work in my kitchen. As I simmered the mixture on the stove, the scent of lavender filled the room, transporting me to a field of purple blooms swaying in the breeze.
After straining out the flowers and letting the syrup cool, I poured myself a glass of sparkling water and added a generous splash of lavender syrup. The first sip was like a taste of sunshine – sweet, floral, and utterly delightful. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
I shared the lavender syrup with friends and family, who all marveled at its unique flavor. Some used it to sweeten their morning tea, while others drizzled it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Everyone agreed – this lavender syrup was something truly magical.
As I continued to make the syrup over the years, I experimented with different variations. I added a pinch of dried lavender buds for extra intensity, or a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of warmth. Each batch was a labor of love, crafted with care and attention to detail.
One day, I decided to visit the farmer's market again, hoping to find the vendor who had inspired me to make lavender syrup in the first place. To my disappointment, her stand was nowhere to be found. I asked around, but no one seemed to know where she had gone.
Feeling a pang of sadness, I decided to pay a visit to the local library, hoping to uncover more information about the history of lavender syrup. As I flipped through dusty cookbooks and yellowed pages, I stumbled upon an old recipe book from the 1800s.
To my surprise, there was a recipe for lavender syrup that bore a striking resemblance to the one I had been making. The ingredients and instructions were nearly identical, down to the last detail. It seemed that the recipe had been passed down through the ages, from generation to generation, until it had found its way to me.
I realized then that the magic of lavender syrup lay not only in its sweet, floral taste, but in the story behind it. It was a recipe steeped in tradition, woven together with memories and shared experiences. And as I continued to make lavender syrup for years to come, I knew that I was part of a culinary legacy that would endure long after I was gone.
Categories
| French Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Lavender Recipes | Nectarine Recipes | Peach Recipes | Strawberry Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |