7 Things to Do with Lavender

 I grew several lavender plants - so what do you do with all that lavender? Here are 7 ideas - 

Lavender Simple Syrup -

This syrup can be used to sweeten lemonade, iced tea or coffee, making a delicious lavender flavored beverage. 

Bring 1-1/4 cup water to a boil. Add about 2 tablespoons dried lavender blossoms. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will extract the oils from the plant. 

Strain the flowers from the water and return the water to the stove. 

Stir in 1 cup of sugar and simmer gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for several months. 

Stir in about 2 tablespoons per serving in your drink.

Lavender Sugar - 

Remove about 1/8 cup of the lavender blossoms. Add them to 1 cup of sugar and shake to mix. 

Put a lid tightly on the sugar and let it sit for at least two weeks. The oils will go into the sugar. 

Use this sugar in baked goods for a subtle lavender flavor. 

Lavender Linen Spray - 

Bring 4 cups of water with about 1/4 cup lavender to a boil. 

Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Let it cool, then strain.

Add a couple drops of lavender essential oil to intensified the scent.

Use as a room freshener or spray on linens for a soft lavender scent (great on bed pillows).

Lavender Honey Hand Scrub - 

Heat 1/2 cup of coconut oil just enough to slightly melt. Stir in 2/3 cup of white granulated sugar and mix well. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Store in an airtight container. This is great after working in the garden!

Bath Salts - 

Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender with 1 cup epsom salts. Stir in a couple drops of lavender essential oil and store in an air tight container. Add about 1/8 to 1/4 cup to your bath for a gentle, relaxing soak.

Shower Bundle - 

Bundle together 4 or 5 sprigs of lavender, a sprig of lemon balm and some eucalyptus. 

Tie them together, then tie it to the shower head. Make sure the water is hitting the bundle. 

As you shower you'll be filled with a wonderful and relaxing fragrance. Use once.

Lavender Cocoa - 

Add about 1 Tablespoon cocoa to 1-1/2 cup milk. Gently simmer for about 10 minutes to release the lavender oils. Strain the milk. 

Return to the stove and add sweetened cocoa. Simmer and whisk until well mixed. 

Enjoy hot with some whipped cream!

Don't have any lavender? You can buy the dried blossoms, but be sure it is culinary grade and not from the craft store. 

So what will you make first?