Lavender

[Graye]

I have a huge lavender bush which is now in full flower. I know I could just make some lavender bags etc but I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas to make use of them?

I know that the oil can be extracted from the flowers, possibly involving using a food steamer. Has anyone had any success doing this?

[red]

you can cook with it.. lavendar shortbread. and i had a nice lavendar icecream once...

[starchild]

I cook with mine too - shortbread, cakes, icecream, muffins - anything goes!

A lovely thing to make as pressies for people are lavender bottles. I made some one year for Christmas and everyone loved them from my 20 something friend who was intrigued to my octogenrian friend for whom it bought back memories - she adored it actually; I think I made her year :)

Very therapeutic to make as you get nice and relaxed while inhaling the oil!

Never tried to extract the oil so can't help you with that I'm afraid.

[andyt]

Hi starchild!
Excuse my ignorance but how do you prepare lavender as a cooking ingredient?
We currently have 3 massive bushes in full bloom at the moment,& i am intrigued......

[starchild]

Hiya!

I just prepare it like any other herb - pick it when it's a dry day and let the plant dry out; then flake off the flower heads and store in a cool, dark place.

You can hang bunches of lavender from the ceiling with a paper bag over it to catch the bits. Doesn't exactly look pretty, but it's successful. I hang a few bunches without paper bags too, to deter flies and make the house smell nice :)

[andyt]

Ta very happy! we'll give that a go. Cheers.

[Lady Willow]

I've made lavendar cake, biscuites, bread and chocolates .... yum, yum

[maggierose]

Hi I am new,just joined the site,but I have just began some lavender wine,there are a few recipes on the net,not much too it,and sounds interesting,looking forward to the flavour.
Mags

[marshlander]

There's a previous thread about lavender including recipes and tips;-

http://www.selfsufficientish.com/forum/ ... il#p109243

[maggierose]

I just tried add a smilie,and it added a link,Im not sure what it is,as it hasnt shown up yet??
Not sure if message was sent or not,lol.
Mags

[maggierose]

No My message didnt come up,it was just to say thanks for the link,interesting stuff,never thought about cooking with Lavender!
Mags