Monday 16 August 2010

Lavender- two ways

We went to a lavender farm in Surrey last Saturday and I cant even begin to explain how incredibly beautiful it was. It started raining just when we got there, and that kinda added to the whole beauty of the place. Set in a typical English countryside, Mayfiled Lavender field is a charming 25 acre lavender field and is in full bloom from mid June and is harvested by August. My obsession with lavender got me interested in the whole thing, and was thrilled to find one right here in London. Took pictures after pictures and I still wasn't satisfied. Ro had to drag me outta that place ultimately. Had a cuppa tea in their lovely lil cafe, grabbed a big bunch of lavender and headed back home smelling of lavender. Here are some pics for you to enjoy.





Come today, and I had to do something with the lavender bunch, soon. Separated the bunch, and I'm thinking of using one for some potpourri and the other for cooking. Haven't decided what to cook with it as yet, but this is what i came up with today.

Lavender sugar
This is a brilliant way to store these lavender babies. It can be then used in cakes, cookies, drinks or just sprinkled on fruit.

Granulated sugar- 1 cup
Dried lavender flower heads- 1/2 tbsp
In a pestle and mortar, finely grind the lavender with about 1/2 tbsp of sugar. 
Transfer to a bowl and stir in the rest of the sugar.
Store in a jar with a tight lid and let it stand for three days, before you use it.

Lime- Lavender cooler (makes about 3 cups)
The lavender tea was so soothing, that I decided to try a cooler this time, and yes, we both loved it thoroughly. 

Lemon juice- 1/4th cup
Lime juice- 1/4 cup
Sugar- 6 to 8 tsp (or to taste)
Lavender flower heads- one hand full
Hot water- 2 1/2 cups
Salt- to taste
Ice cubes- as required
Place the lavender flower heads in a heat resistant bowl and pour the hot water into it. Let it steep for about 10 minutes, then strain out the lavender and discard.
Mix the sugar into the hot lavender water and mix till dissolved. 
Once lightly cool, add the lemon juice and lime juice and mix well. Add some salt for that extra twang.
Pour into a pitcher filled with ice and chill further in the refrigerator, if required.
Otherwise, pour into serving glasses, garnish with a lemon wedge and serve cold.
I also tried using the lavender sugar to make this cooler and it came out beautiful. 

While I was moving the bunch around, some fell on the floor. I got a call after that and so didnt clean it up immediately. The sun played hide and seek for a while in the afternoon, and this kinda caught my attention. I had to click a pic :)

29 comments:

Sailaja said...

mouth watering drink

GB said...

Now thta's the second lavender-infused recipe I've seen in the past few weeks...............it sounds/smells lovely!!

Your outing to the lavender farms sounds like bliss!

Unknown said...

LOvely snaps...your are too lucky to witness such a heavenly site...

Nitha said...

Lovely clicks Nisha..

Prema said...

wow such a beautifull pics and refreshing drink...simply superb.

Satya said...

beautiful clicks ..love these flowers

Satya
http://www.superyummyrecipes.com

Shabs.. said...

loved the idea of lavender sugar....i guess it can be used in cakes....it should taste heaven;y....nice one nish...

Monet said...

Wow...those fields of lavender are the perfect end to a stressful day. Thank you for sharing that piece of beauty with me...it means more than you know!

Pavithra Srihari said...

Beautiful it is !!!! wonderful clicks as always ...

Foodie Ann said...

wow more lavender recipes.....Nice....Now I am curious....Never tasted it before...

Priya Suresh said...

Wow lavender tea looks very refreshing and interesting...awesome!

Sweet Artichoke said...

This sugar lavender is a brilliant idea! I brought back some lavender from South of France and so far have only sprinkled some on an apricot pie (which was really good!)... I will definitely try this refreshing drink!

Sanjeeta kk said...

Lovely clicks. Interesting drink, lemon flower heads in it makes me curious to give a try.

Neetz said...

wow!!..thats surely is refreshing drink :)... those flower pics are just awesome!!>. i wish i could get to see lavenders like this :(...

Sanchita said...

Beautiful clicks. Specially last but one where only the lemon is in focus and rest is blurred. Very nice.

Sayantani Mahapatra Mudi said...

your house must be smelling all lavender y by now. i have a small potted lavender plant which is yet to flower. the cooler looks very refreshing and this idea of mixing lime with lavender is very aromatic.

Torviewtoronto said...

lovely pictures and refreshing beverage

Suja Manoj said...

Lovely snaps..sounds interesting and refreshing drink

Unknown said...

So nie to see those lavendars......

Unknown said...

Gorgeous pictures,loved 4,6th and last...and very refreshing drink! :)

Prerna@IndianSimmer said...

I am sooo jealous of you! Lavender farm?? If the pictures are so pretty I can totally imagine how they must in reality.
Love ur cooler recipe!

Anonymous said...

Lovely clicks!
And looks like a super aromatic drink!

Satrupa said...

The lavender beds look gorgeous .... and lavender to a cooler is a great idea.

First time here and I love your space. Lovely Clicks !

Happy to follow u

Cheers n Happy Cooking,
Satrupa

http://satrupa-foodforthought.blogspot.com

Radhika said...

The pic with the bee is amazing.. Brilliant shot yaar. Lemon cooler with lavender sounds refreshing

Suman Singh said...

this is classic..drinks looks so refershing and beautiful pics..

Suji said...

Amazing clicks and a soothing drink Nisha...

Shanthi Krishnakumar said...

Wonderful and refreshing

Shanthi Krishnakumar said...

Refreshing and unique

Unknown said...

know what? I have this great recipe for a lemon drizzle and lavender cake that I really fancy baking but have no idea where to find lavender flowers in London...all the supermarket I shop at don't seam to stock them...any ideas anyone???