Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Tia & Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

It's going to be a hot one today! With temperature's over 100 degrees yesterday, it appears that today will be no different. Outside chores are best done in the semi-coolness of the early morning on days like this! A quick wander through the yard to turn on the garden water reminded me that my lavender is ready to harvest. It takes awhile to cut the large plants, so I set a goal this morning to harvest two near the back porch. It was such a fragrant task, and Tia decided to join me while I worked. A full bin and a box of fresh cut lavender are now sitting in the house, waiting for me to decide what to do with them. I wonder what lavender syrup would be like? How delicious it would be, added to some sweet lemonade during the months when no lavender bud is available in the garden and ready to cut. I'm sure there's enough for the family to enjoy it during these hot summer days as well.

Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

Cut fresh lavender and remove most of stem. Place about 1/2 cup of lavender flowers in a glass container and pour 2 cups of boiling water over top. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain using a mesh strainer or coffee filters. Combine this lavender infusion with 2 quarts of fresh lemonade. Sweeten with the sweet herb, stevia, for added flavor. Chill and serve over ice. Add a long stem of fresh lavender to the glass (like a straw) for a pretty effect. For sparkling lavender lemonade, add a splash of lemon or lime carbonated beverage or plain soda water.

For times when fresh lavender isn't available, cut some fresh lavender flowers and place in an ice cube tray. Cover with fresh water and freeze until ready to use.

7 comments:

  1. Wish I could join Tia taking in that wonderful smell and then off for a glass of lavender lemonade!!

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  2. Anonymous9:48 AM

    Oh my! Look at all that lavender! How large is the space in which it is grown? I'd love to see that. I thought maybe you had one or two plants, not a 'field'! lol And I thought I loved lavender!

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  3. We cooled way down today in Western Wa. That lavender lemonade sounds yummy...

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  4. How fortunate you are to have so much lavender available. Your lemonade recipe sounds so refreshing.

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  5. yes,,,,I am much cooler here in the Puget Sound...
    I love these lavender posts...I wish I was there to inhale it...could you install the fragrance option on your puter, please...
    Deby
    btw..2 more tea towels posted...

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  6. Well shoot! I can't grow lavender; I have no yellow violets; I'm gonna miss out!! Enjoy a glass for me! :D

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  7. Anonymous12:10 AM

    It is so refreshing to read about the opposite season. I shall be hiding under air conditioning when it comes but I planted some lavender a couple of days ago and have another plant yet to go in.
    Unfortunately although we seem to be getting rain our storages are less than this time last year so our drought is still ruling this land and will mean that summer will not be lovely green lawns, flowers and shady lawn spots.
    I hope to enjoy Spring and keep asking our Father for rain for our land.
    Some of our lavender farms have laveder scones, soap and loads of other goodies.

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