Luscious Lavender

Lavender sketch in illustrated journal

Lavendula officinale
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Gender - Masculine
Planet - Mercury
Element​ - Air

I’ve always thought of lavender as an herb of the evening. ​
Lavender is associated with peace, nocturnal wishes, sweet dreams and restful sleep. The fragrance has been used for centuries to create a restful night's sleep. 

• Sip a cup of lavender tea before bed time. Use two tablespoons lavender flowers in 4 cups of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. (Makes 4 servings). Sweeten with honey. 
• Lavender baths are delightful! Place the dried lavender blossoms in a bath bag and place in the tub. Soak for about 15 minutes. There are numerous recipes for herbal baths on the internet, ranging from pure lavender flowers to herbal blends and additions of epson salts, sea salts or oatmeal, so I won't add them here. There is only one way to do this incorrectly! If you read about adding lavender flowers, rose petals and other herbs directly to the water, consider the clean up and use the bath bags (like over sized tea bags made of muslin or cheese cloth). 
• A sprig of lavender under your pillow provides a restful fragrance and there is an added bonus! You can make a wish right before you go to sleep, and if you dream of your wish, it will come true!

As we continue to explore lavender's nocturnal charms, keep in mind not everyone sleeps at night. Lavender is also very useful if you plan to stay awake!

• Lavender is the only herb I know attributed to aiding those who want to attract ghosts! Simply carry a sprig with you, and ghosts will become visible! It also provides protection so no worries! You'll find more about lavender and other herbs associated with witches and goblins and ghosts, oh my, in my Herbs for Haunting course. Watch for it this fall!
• Attracting love, passion, and romance have long been associated with lavender. It is used in perfumes and oils, love spells, sachets, potpourris, to scent stationery for love letters, and to scent lingerie and sheets. It is also recommended to place lavender in lingerie drawers or when storing wedding gowns and other heirloom quality clothes, to prevent moths and insects from harming delicate fabrics and to add fragrance. 
• There are accounts of it being misused though. Prostitutes have reputedly had success luring even the most unwilling clients. Hmm.

Whether you plan to stay awake or sleep, lavender will make your evening more enjoyable!

Ribbon Tied Lavender Bundle

Simple Lavender Bundle

One of the simplest ways to use lavender is to simply gather the stalks of lavender and tie with a ribbon. It's best to cut them as soon as the flowers are in bloom in the spring. Cut them a few inches above the woody growth so you won't harm the plant. Gather first thing in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun becomes intense.
Hang to dry in a cool dark place. 

Braided Lavender Hearts

Lavender Hearts with Braided Stems

You'll need
    6 stalks of lavender
   Ribbon - I've been using 3/16 inch light pink or lavender satin ribbon for all my projects. It's not too large to over power the lightness of the flowers.

Make two lavender braids using 3 stalks for each braid. When they are braided, bend each one into a loop. Put the two loops together to form a heart, keeping the flowers on top. Cut off the stems in the back and tie with a ribbon. 
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Candied Lavender Garnishes

Candied Lavender Garnishes

12 to 18 stalks of lavender
One egg white, beaten until frothy
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
Waxed paper or parchment paper

Dip just the flowers of the lavender into the egg whites to completely cover, then dip them into the sugar.
Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and let dry away from heat or sun.
Use as a garnish with fruit salad, lemonade, or iced tea. 
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Almond Lavender Cookies

Lavender Almond Heart Cookies

1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms
I cup (two sticks) butter at room temperature
2 cups almond flour
1 cup flour

Combine the sugar and fresh lavender blossoms using a food processor. 
Add the butter and combine. Next add the flours. 
Mix until thoroughly combined. 
The batter will be soft.
Chill for 30 minutes.

Flour both sides of the dough and place between two long sheets of waxed paper.
Using a rolling pin, roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Work quickly. The dough will get soft again as you work with it.
Cut cookies with a cookie cutter dipped in flour.
Remove all the excess dough and return to the 'fridge.
​This will make it easier to move your shaped cookies. 

Gently lift cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment paper.
Chill the cookies on the baking sheets for 30 minutes

Set oven temperature to 300 degrees F. 
Once the oven is preheated, bake for about 30 minutes. Begin checking at 15 minutes and don't let the edges of the cookies brown.
Cool on a wire rack placed.

Glaze
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 Tablespoon water.
Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add a little more water if needed. 

Keeping the cookies on the wire rack, move them over the sink if your rack fits, or place waxed paper underneath for easy clean up. This can get messy!

Use a spoon to lightly glaze the cookies. Top with lavender blossoms. Let the glaze set up and serve.