The Warmth of Lavender

Learning Session

The Warmth of Lavender

By Diane Fabish and Brigitte Tennis, Your Sweet Lavender Sisters from Washington Beta Iota

Summer has come to a close, and fall color abounds while the air begins to sport a chill. Winter is on its way, and yet, there is still warmth in the garden. The lavender, whose petite stalks of blossoms have turned from a vivid purple to a softer lavender, color-tempt the bees with their warm aroma. We walk amongst the lavender bushes and feel instantly relaxed as we breathe in the memories of both past and present.

Lavender, from a Latin word meaning “to wash,” has been used for centuries to help people relax and to create a sense of freshness. The English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is actually not from England but from the mountains of the Mediterranean. It is called English lavender because it was used in England as a perfume for royalty. English lavender is seen in garden beds in England, especially the Hidcote and Munstead varieties, and is most commonly used for culinary purposes. The Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is probably the lavender used by the ancient Romans, but some people call it French lavender because it grows well in Provence, France. The leaves of Spanish lavender are narrow, and the flower portion looks like a pineapple with two purple rabbit ears. The true French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is actually native to Spain. It is not as fragrant as other species, and it has narrow gray-green leaves. Try using the Latin scientific names when referring to a specific lavender type, so it is clear which kind of lavender you mean. Even back in ancient Greece and Rome, people recognized the amazing qualities of lavender. It was known then, and still is today, for having excellent antiseptic and antibiotic properties that can

Lavender Scottish Shortbread

1 cup softened butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar OR 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1-1/2 cup white all-purpose flour 1 cup rice flour 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender buds

Directions:

1. For top: 1/4 cup (or less) granulated sugar colored with purple food coloring and a touch of culinary lavender) 2. Cream butter and sugar together with your hands. This is important for the shortbread texture. Slowly, add flour and 1-2 teaspoons of culinary lavender buds. Continue mixing. 3. Pat the mixture into a 7”x10” pan (ideal) or a 9”x9” glass pan. 4. Lightly prick the surface with a fork. 5. Bake at 325 degrees in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes (check after 15 min), or until edges are light brown. 6. Take out of the oven, sprinkle with lavender sugar topping. 7. Cool and cut into squares. (Original recipe from an elderly Scottish lady over 20 years ago)

Lavender Mocktail

crushed ice 6 oz. white cranberry juice 1 1/2 oz. lavender syrup 4 oz. club soda 2 fresh lavender sprigs* for garnish (or mint or basil leaf)

Directions:

1. Put crushed ice in a cocktail shaker so it is about one-third filled. 2. Add white cranberry juice and lavender syrup.

3. Shake well. 4. Strain into fancy cocktail or champagne glasses so glasses are about two-thirds filled. 5. Add the club soda and stir gently. 6. Garnish with the lavender sprig. 7. Makes 2 refreshing drinks. 8. Drink and relax. *Culinary lavender can be found on Amazon and at many super markets and spice stores.