You get to summertime and the living is, undeniably, easy.
Great fruit abounds and enjoying it right off of the bush/tree or out of a basket is perfect.
But even store bought strawberries can shine in this simple recipe, which brings with it the scents of the fields of Provence.
Lavender infuses really well into syrups or other liquids like milk (for panna cotta!) or tea. And the smell of fresh lavender is beyond transportive.
Summer is my favorite time of year, always has been. The days are longer, the nights are brighter, everything shines with color and flecks of sunshine.
Hope you are out there taking advantage of it all!
As for me, it is just a few more weeks until my birthday (it’s a big one) and then I’m looking forward to fitting in as much as possible on the now classic Summer of Fun list (unregistered trademark). Kicking off with clam bakes, barbecues, beach trips, a traipse back to Les Baux and to Jazz a Juan, then to the Newport Folk Fest and even, hopefully, the hot hot heat of El Paso.
Strawberries in lavender syrup
You’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced
- 2 T fresh (or dried) lavender
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 t lemon juice
1. Make the syrup first. Dissolve sugar in water and simmer over medium heat until completely dissolved.
2. Take off of heat, add lavender and lemon juice and let steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain.
3. Top fresh strawberries with syrup – they don’t need to float in it – and a few fresh lavender sprigs.
Now, if your berries are a little past their prime, toss them in slightly more syrup and let stand a few minutes before serving.
{as you may have noticed, I always like to put the herbs used in the recipe on the plate or on baked goods etc. so that it is clear what’s inside!}
Perfect ….we have a garden full of lavender and we’ve been commissioned to look after our neighbours’ strawberry patch in their absence ( for “look after” read pick and eat rather than leave for the birds) I’ll be doing this in the next few days. Very pretty pictures , by the way:)
Thank you, Roger! Means a lot coming from you 🙂
I’d like to watch a friend’s strawberry patch!
Oh my goodness! You’ve just married two of my favourite flavours too! I made a sorbet with a lavendar & strawberry purée earlier this year, absolutely one of my faves. As for your milestone birthday and trip away, it sounds amazeball’s.
Look forward to celebrating with you via your IG feed!
Your sorbet would be just perfect for summer, Alice!
Will try to make the most of every summer weekend:)
What a great way to play up berries.
So glad you enjoyed it, Greg! Just so summery and fresh.
Stunning Ksenia! Ah, I wish I was already in the summertime… it is freezing cold over here at the moment and I cannot wait to be in France in 2 weeks time! I will be eating strawberries by the bucketful (love the idea of the beautiful lavender syrup. I do have lavender buds at home so I will need to try this soon!). Yay for your momentous birthday coming up – hope that you have an incredible trip, cannot wait to see your photos on Insta xxxx
Thanks, Laura!
I see you snuggling into warm blankets and cups of tea over there 🙂 – can’t believe it’s already winter in the southern hemisphere. Your European trip will be beyond exciting! xx
Fresh strawberries are just coming into season here. Your syrup sounds like a nice addition. It sounds like you have a full and fun summer ahead of you.
I always try to fit in too much, Karen, but the time just seems to fly by!
I usually plant lavender and forgot this year! I’m going to the nursery anyway and will pick up a plant. I do have culinary lavender already, so I can’t wait to make this syrup.. I can see it would have so many uses!! But I will begin with the strawberries:D xx Dessert for this evening!!
I have too much lavender currently (if there is such a thing!) – it’s everywhere! I bet you can think of lots of other beautiful ways to use the syrup once you make some (cocktails, baking etc.) xx
Love this. I’m sure it would be wonderful with peaches, too!
Excellent idea!