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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?

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

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.

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......

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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