Lavender Syrup

INTRODUCTION

Lavender syrup is a delightful sweetener that captures the calm essence of lavender flowers. It is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients. This floral syrup can add a unique twist to many drinks and desserts. Its lovely taste and beautiful color can brighten any meal or occasion. Whether you use it in lemonade, tea, or on pancakes, it brings a pleasant, aromatic flavor that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love lavender syrup. First, it is easy to make at home with just three ingredients. It’s a great way to explore the flavor of lavender, which many people enjoy but might not know how to use. The syrup adds a lovely sweetness and floral touch to drinks and dishes.

The bright taste of lavender can make your favorite foods feel new and exciting. Plus, making your own syrup means you can control the ingredients. This means you can enjoy a delicious treat that is all-natural and free from preservatives. Not to mention, the beautiful purple hue adds a splash of color to your pantry. Finally, sharing homemade lavender syrup with friends and family is a wonderful way to show you care.

HOW TO MAKE Lavender Syrup

Making lavender syrup is quite straightforward. You will need three simple ingredients: cane sugar, water, and dried culinary lavender. With these ingredients on hand, you can create a sweet, floral syrup that can enhance many dishes and drinks.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make lavender syrup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A medium saucepan
• A stirring spoon
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A jar or bottle for storage

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring Lavender and Water to a Simmer: Start by pouring one cup of water into a medium saucepan. Add two tablespoons of dried culinary lavender to the water. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Allow it to come to a simmer.
2. Add Sugar and Stir Until Dissolved: Once the mixture is simmering, add one cup of cane sugar to the pan. Stir thoroughly until all the sugar has completely dissolved in the water.
3. Simmer Gently for 10-15 Minutes: Keep the heat low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to extract the lavender flavor into the syrup.
4. Cool and Strain: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the syrup cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. This will separate the lavender flowers from the syrup.
5. Pour Into a Jar and Let the Floral Calm Begin: After straining, your lavender syrup is ready! Pour it into a jar for storage, seal it, and allow it to cool completely.

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HOW TO SERVE Lavender Syrup

Lavender syrup is very versatile. You can serve it in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Drinks: Add lavender syrup to lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing floral twist. You can also mix it into cocktails for a unique flavor.
• Desserts: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. It can also be mixed into cake batter or frosting for a sweet, aromatic touch.
• Coffee: Add a splash to your coffee for a sweet and floral flavor that pairs well with the bitterness of coffee.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Lavender Syrup

You can store lavender syrup in the fridge for up to a month. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or jar to maintain its freshness. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy lavender syrup anytime you want.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving lavender syrup, consider pairing it with:

• Fresh lemonade or tea
• Vanilla ice cream
• Scones or shortbread cookies
• Yogurt parfaits with fruits and granola

These pairings can enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.

VARIATIONS

You can customize your lavender syrup in several ways. Here are a few variations:

• Lemon Lavender Syrup: Add the zest of one lemon to the mixture while it simmers. This adds a bright citrus flavor.
• Honey Lavender Syrup: Substitute honey for cane sugar for a richer, deeper flavor. Use a smaller amount of honey, about ¾ cup, as it is sweeter.
• Lavender Mint Syrup: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint while the lavender simmers. This creates a refreshing herbal blend.

FAQs

What is culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender refers to lavender that is safe to eat and specifically grown for cooking or baking. This type is different from ornamental lavender, which may not be suitable for consumption.

How long does lavender syrup last?

Homemade lavender syrup can last up to a month when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh lavender in place of dried lavender?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender. However, you will need to use more fresh lavender because it contains more moisture. Use about ¼ cup of fresh lavender for every 2 tablespoons of dried lavender.

What can I use lavender syrup for?

Lavender syrup is great for sweetening teas and lemonade, drizzling over desserts, or adding flavor to cocktails. It’s very versatile in both drinks and food.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lavender Syrup

Making lavender syrup ahead of time is a great idea. You can prepare it a week before an event or meal and simply store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of your serving. Just remember to give it a good shake before using, as some slight separation can occur. Enjoy the lovely addition of lavender syrup to your dishes and drinks, adding a touch of elegance and aroma!

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