I love growing lavender, but I am not really a potpourri person. Loathing for anything to not be used to its fullest potential, I did some research to find alternative uses for lavender. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it can be used in cooking! I found some heavenly scone recipes at Hood River Lavender, Lavender-Apricot Breakfast Rolls at The Napa Lavender Company , and Lavender Cloud Cookies at Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm. English Lavender is recommended for culinary purposes, because it has the sweetest fragrance, but I just use what is already in my garden. Oh, and do not use lavender in cooking if you have sprayed it with pesticides!
My husband loves fish; I do not! I think I have found the perfect compromise recipe for my husband for Father’s Day dinner: Lavender Grilled Salmon. I found the recipe at Hood River Lavender. Just in case, I will keep one lavender flower in my pocket while cooking, so I will have something pleasant to smell if the fish overpowers me. ; o
Lavender Grilled Salmon
3 pounds of Salmon Fillet
4 Tbsp Honey
6 Tbsp Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Lavender, crushed or run through coffee grinder
1/4 c White Wine
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
Place all ingredients, except salmon, in saucepan over moderate heat, stirring with a wire whisk at all times until ingredients are reduced by one-third, to create a sauce. When sauce has cooled slightly, brush on salmon fillet. Grill or bake salmon until flaky (don’t overcook), about 10 minutes, basting with sauce. Set some aside to pour on salmon before serving.
I am going to use the leftover spikes from the dead-headed lavender as skewers for fruit kabobs to serve on the side.
For inspiration or to share your discoveries visit Finer Things Friday, Hooked on Fridays, and Friday Feasts.
Amy @ Finer Things says
Very creative way to use up your beautiful lavender!
The Thrifty Countrywoman says
It sounds like a wonderful recipe for the summer!
Shana says
Thanks so much for the comments on my blog! I left a little something for you over at mine though so go check it out as soon as you get a chance. Have a great day!
Melissa says
LOL I had lavender in my garden for years. Now that it's gone, I find this recipe! 🙂
Struggler says
Ooh, I love lavender, and could get seriously interested in cooking with it. (Probably I'd start with cookies, not fish though!!).
Thanks for the recipe links, I'm going to check them out!
Claudia@DipityRoad says
I love Grilled Salmon.
I will have to give this a try.
TTFN~~Claudia
kissykat says
This is interesting, I would have never expected that you could use lavender for cooking! My grandmother will be thrilled!