Lemonade is just one of those beverages that I consider, “The Taste of Summer.”  I will gladly choose fresh squeezed lemonade over ANY alcoholic beverage anytime. Of course you could add a splash of vodka to heat things up, but for me, sans alcohol is just fine. In the summer months or all year long when we were in Sarasota while Zach was playing tennis during high school, fresh squeezed lemonade is regularly  available in our fridge. Mine is sweetened with agave, a natural sweetener available in a syrup consistence in the baking aisle near the sugars.  While at the the kitchen sink recently, washing up some dishes, I was admiring the beautiful lavender in the window box outside of the kitchen window.  For some reason, the thought came into my mind to put together one of my favorite scents with one of my favorite flavors… fresh lavender and fresh squeezed lemonade!  So I did and what a nice flavor I ended up with. I think you’ll like this if you are a fan of these two.

     Growing lavender is very easy and lavender makes a nice little bouquet to add to a jam jar on the dinner table.  It can also be added to  some store bought or other flowers from the gardens for a pretty additional scent.

     The caterer for Alex & Amanda’s wedding & the rehearsal, John Moeller, former White House Head Chef, made his own Lavender Ice Cream for dessert for the Rehearsal Dinner at his own restaurant, The Greenfield Inn, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  He made a simple syrup with some water, sugar and fresh lavender from his own garden.  When it had cooled slightly, he then blended it into vanilla ice cream from the local dairy down the street and re-chilled it. The result was a delicious dessert after a fabulous dinner.

Alex and Amanda celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. Pictured here with Alex and I is the caterer for the wedding and owner of The Greenfield Inn, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. John Moeller was a chef then head chef at The White House. Following his tenure for three administrations, he came back to Lancaster to be near family and he purchased the historic Greenfield Inn. When asking Amanda’s Mom, Sheri for ideas for the rehearsal dinner, she added The Greenfeld Inn, explaining that it was the place owned by the caterer for the wedding at White Chimneys. I thought, if The Greenfiled Inn is good enough to cater the wedding, why not have the dinner there. Bingo. John delivered a homerun of a weekend of great meals. His story about the Lavender Ice Cream served at the rehearsal dinner was interesting. When the dairy down the road had halted their making of the ice cream for a new flavor for the month of August, he purchased their vanilla and made his own version. This explains his talent as a White House Chef.

     So you see, lavender can be used for many different purposes in your kitchen…Your Marvelous Monday for today, August 4…

It’s a Great Day!

 

Lavender Lemonade

    -A small handful of fresh picked and rinsed lavender 

     -1/3 cup light agave

     -4 cups  water

     -1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

     -Ice

  1.  Cut the lavender flowers from the stems and place in a medium bowl (I like to use my large 2 quart glass measuring cup, because it makes pouring easy).  Use the bottom of the spoon the “crush” the lavender a bit to release some flavor. 
  2. Heat 1 cup of the 4 cups of water for about 1minute 30 in the microwave for about a  minute.  Pour the 1 cup of heated water over the crushed lavender, add agave let steep for about 15 minutes (I like to cover the water while it heats to keep flavor in.   Stir with a spoon to blend all. Cover mixing bowl or glass measuring cup to infuse flavor 
  3. Now strain the lavender infused simple syrup you have created and pour this liquid into a serving pitcher/container.
  4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and then add the additional 3 cups of cold water.  Add more lemon juice if beverage is too sweet or more agave if mixture is too tart.  Add additional water to arrived at desired concentration/taste.  Consider that when your serve over ice, as ice melts flavor will further dilute. 
  5. Add some very thinly sliced lemons and additional sprigs of lavender for garnish to the pitcher or each glass.  
  6. Mary Yana’s book is available where fine books are sold, through itsagreatdayto.com