Oh how I love the smell of a fresh lavender plant growing. Not only is it beautiful, it has sooo many uses.
I love that lavender can be used for cooking, self-care, and just decoration on its own. It’s probably one of the most versatile plants I have in my garden.
When I started drying and using my own lavender, I was amazed at how versatile it was.
Now, I make sure to grow extra each year so I have plenty on hand to use for whatever I want.
Tips for Cooking with Lavender Leaves
Although you might not have realized this, the leaves of lavender can also be used. They contain essential oils and are often used in baking for savory dishes.
My preferred use for baking with the leaves is to use them with an herbs de provence seasoning. They can also be substituted for rosemary in a number of recipes.
The only recommendation that I would have is that the leaves can have a strong flavor so make sure to grind them well if you’re using them in dry rubs and seasoning mixes.
It may also be a good idea to use the leaves as an infusion and strain out before using. You’ll get all the flavor you need without having to worry about biting into a mouthful of lavender.
Using Dried Lavender for Baking: My Advice
Although lavender can be overpowering if you use too much, it’s a great addition in baked goods.
My primary piece of advice is to use it with other flavors. Lavender pairs well with light flavors like lemon, honey, and mint.
When I use dried lavender in recipes, I soak it in full fat milk for a half hour. This pre-baking step hydrates the lavender and makes it easier for the flavor to infuse into the cake or bread.
>>> Learn 4 different ways to dry lavender here.
I’ve also learned that lavender works best as an accompanying flavor rather than the primary one.
This means making sure that I use the appropriate amount. It’s easy to use too much dried lavender but make sure to half the amount of fresh if substituting.
Lavender Cookies
Short-bread type cookies are often used as a base for adding lavender and with good reason. I found this recipe and it’s become one of my favorites. These small tea cookies are great for serving in the afternoon. The combination of lavender along with the almond flavoring makes it a unique choice but one of my favorites. I almost always have the ingredients on hand as well so this is my go-to recipe when I need a treat.
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lavender-cookies/
Lavender Muffins
I love a good blueberry muffin so it was a happy surprise when I found this recipe. This is a fresh blueberry muffin recipe that contains lavender as an accompanying flavor. The first time I made them, I didn’t pay attention to the amounts of lavender recommended and ended up having a little too much extra in them. I found that sticking with the recipe measurements made for a much better muffin. This recipe also is great because the muffins get better over time. I usually try to make them a day ahead to let the lavender flavor spread throughout the entire muffin.
https://www.oliveandmango.com/blueberry-lavender-muffins/
Lavender and Chocolate
I haven’t done much baking with lavender and chocolate as a combination. However, I was at a chocolate store and saw that they had chocolate truffles with lavender. That inspired me to try my own hand at making truffles. The delicate flavor of the herb paired well with milk chocolate and they also look great when done. I love making them for gifts and they’re fairly simple to make as well.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/lavender-milk-chocolate-truffles-520583
Lavender Cheesecake
I often see the combination of lavender and earl gray tea and with good reason. This recipe lets you add or omit the earl gray tea but I’d highly recommend it. It’s a mild cheesecake but it makes a great presentation. This is one of my favorite dishes to make in the spring and summer. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert and even people who might not like lavender usually come back for seconds.
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/lavender-cheesecake/
Lavender Chicken
When I realized that lavender paired well with honey, I was eager to try this recipe and it’s become one of my favorites to make. What sets this recipe apart is that the chicken takes on an earthy flavor that makes it a stand out dish. The combination of honey and lavender with the other spices and herbs gives a power packed punch to this dish. I’ve used it for other types of poultry as well but it’s one of my favorites when I have chicken in the house.
https://www.inspiredtaste.net/9851/lavender-honey-chicken-recipe/
Lavender Mousse
I came across this recipe when I was looking for a show-stopping dessert to serve at a dinner party. I was surprised at this recipe but it was a happy surprise. The pastries made a great presentation so I was glad that I took the time to bake them. It does take a little extra effort so this is not a last-minute dessert. However, if you don’t mind putting in the time, you’ll find that this light dessert is great for summer and a real crowd-pleaser as well!
https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/lavender-infused-mascarpone-mousse-pastries/
Lavender Syrup
I love making my own simple syrup and this recipe is one of my favorite. Lavender is a great way to add the flavor of the herb to a variety of beverages. It’s also very simple to make this at home and you can use it to make lemonade, cocktails, or more.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/diy-lavender-simple-syrup-760293
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I harvest lavender for cooking?
The best time to harvest lavender is to clip the flowers right after they open in early spring. Make sure that you harvest from an area where pesticides aren’t used.
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