Thursday, January 29, 2009

Culinary Creations: Blueberry Preserves with a Hint of Lavender

Calling this a recipe would be a slight exaggeration. This is more of an alteration. A few years back I had the blissful Cottage Delight Wild Blueberry Preserve with a hint of Lavender, in its charming square kilner jar*. Not able to easily get it in the US, I was determined to make my own... sort of. My quick version is to take a jar of blueberry preserves, my favorite being Bonne Maman and add lavender. When I have used about a tablespoon of preserves, to give room to stir in the jar, I add about 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon of dried organic lavender flowers. When mixed well, I left sit in the refrigerator for a week to let the flavors meld. It makes the most amazing treat to have on scones with clotted cream, toast, or in my case - with peanut butter on waffles. If you've never tried lavender in food before and are a little nervous, start with a small amount to see how you like it. You can always add more if you like the taste and want it a bit stronger.

*For the past 4 years, the kilner jar has served as the perfect container for my Maldon salt. It is my absolute, most favorite container in the kitchen.

6 comments:

gina said...

This looks Delish! I haven't tried Lavender in food but I sure do love the smell.

Anna Lloyd said...

This sounds like a great combo. Actually I think I've had something similar at a restaurant!

Jane King said...

Nice one! Have you tried lavender sugar yet? I keep meaning to make some and then use it in cup cakes to see how it tastes. Something else to add to the To Do list :)

Amy J said...

Thanks :-) I haven't tried lavender sugar yet. You gave me the recipe, but I'm not sure what I did with it. That could be our challenge, to see who does it first? I've got a ton of lavender right now so I should do it. x

Anna - I don't usually eat peanut butter (sticks in your throat) and am not crazy about waffles but all together is divine. Breakfast is a struggle for me, so I'm always in search of new things. Your post fits right in with what I would eat!

Heather said...

I've always wandered if lavender could be used and an ingredient. Guess it can. I'm going to have to try using it this summer.

Amy J said...

I highly recommend it! I've got several other lavender recipes that I like to make with lavender, and will try to do them over the next couple months. It does have quite a strong flavor, and is easy to over do, but with the balance right it is divine!!!