Are you thinking of trying to cook or bake with lavender? We have you covered with how to use this delightful herb, where to buy it, and some examples of our favourite recipes.
We have tried and tested these cookies so many times we can't even tell you how many we have eaten. The best thing? They don't taste like soap - yes, we know that is what you think, or maybe an experience has made you turn your nose at anything lavender when it comes to cooking or baking.
"I want to know how to make these after having them at your lavender farm!" –Sarah H.
The first time we made these was at our Grand Opening in 2020, and they were a big hit, and I continually make them for events. I can't take credit for the recipe, as my friend and uber-talented foodie came up with these cookies, and I promptly named them after her.
Where to Buy Culinary Lavender
But before we get into how to make these delicious lavender shortbread cookies, you can find the lavender you need on our website here, and we hope you can find a use for this in your regular cooking and baking or try something new.
There are many places to buy culinary lavender; making sure it is certified culinary lavender and certified as organic is a bonus.
Please do not eat lavender from florists, nurseries or out of your garden. It must be labelled culinary lavender and has not been treated with pesticides.
Ways to use lavender every day
Remember, a LITTLE goes a long way. The key to cooking with lavender is that you are essentially experimenting with the amount you want to add. Always start with a small number of lavender buds and add more as you go. The risk of adding too much lavender is that it can taste like soap or like eating perfume. Secret: remember, a little goes a long way.
Here are a few ways to start using lavender daily in your cooking or baking:
An excellent substitution for rosemary in your bread recipes, or try your next roast chicken.
Add buds to your salads to add a great splash of colour and an enhanced taste to your salad.
Make the lavender sugar by adding some buds in a bag and sealing it up for a few weeks. It adds a subtle flavour to the sugar you can use for coffee, tea, or baking!
Here are some excellent links to other recipes:
Shelley's Lavender Shortbread Cookies
These lavender shortbread cookies are buttery and perfectly sweet, with a touch of lavender. Makes 24 cookies. Prep time 10 minutes. Cook time 25 minutes½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
Ingredients
3 teaspoons dried lavender
3/4 pound salted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3.5 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions
Grind lavender up very finely using a mortar and pestle or lightly crush lavender.
Mixing the butter, sugar, and lavender until combined and spread around the bowl using a mixer.
Add the vanilla and mix until it disappears.
Add flour to the bowl and mix until the dough ball forms.
Roll the dough out on a baking mat about 1/2" thick, then cut desired shapes.
Place the cookies on a sheet tray, and refrigerate for 1 hour until cold and firm to the touch.
Preheat oven to 350F. Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden brown at the edges.
Let the cookies cool to room temperature, and enjoy!
We always love the recipes people send us or suggestions - we would love to hear what you have tried out - that simple syrup recipe that we found is one of our favourites:
LAVENDER SIMPLE SYRUP
INGREDIENTS:
¼ cup dried lavender
½ cup water
½ cup white sugar
Add water and lavender to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool completely.
Strain contents to separate the buds from the water.
Then take the 2 to 3 tablespoons of lavender water and add sugar
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer while whisking occasionally.
Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
Talk soon
Julie