Culinary Corner

Here at Keys Creek Lavender Farm there's always something cooking that just smells great. From the lavender scones, to the rosemary potatoes, to lavender garlic bread. Here are some recipes we love. We hope you will enjoy them too.

Herbes de Provence 

Note: “Parts” are here instead of the standard teaspoons or tablespoons so that you can make as much or a little as you like. The store bought, imported from France, Herbes de Provence can be very expensive, so it is recommend that you blend lots and give some away as gifts. Your friends will really love it!

HerbsDeProvence

1 part Fennel seed
 3 parts dried Rosemary
1 part dried Mint 3 parts dried Savory (Summer or Winter)
2 parts dried Lavender florets 3 parts dried Marjoram
2 parts dried Orange peel 3 parts dried Thyme
2 parts crushed dried Bay leaves  

Mix, store and use! For best flavor, lightly grind in a spice grinder or crush in a mortar & pestle immediately before using. Makes a great spice rub.

Herbed Goat Cheese Tart (adapted from Gourmet Magazine)

One 8 or 9-inch pie crust (homemade, refrigerated or frozen)
8 oz. mild goat cheese
1 C. cottage cheese
3 large egg yolks
1/4 C. flour
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp. dried Herbs de Provence
2 Tbsp. whole fresh herb leaves and flowers (e.g., thyme, marjoram, lavender, rosemary)

Bake pie shell at 350 degrees until almost cooked, but still pale.

In food processor, mix cheeses, egg yolks, flour and butter until smooth. Blend in Herbs de Provence and spoon into pie shell. Bake 20 minutes or until filling is just set. Sprinkle tart with herbs and continue baking until filling is puffed and golden, about 20 minutes more. Serve warm. You can make ahead and freeze.

Lavender Honey Butter

This butter is so great on scones.  I just love it with my afternoon tea.

1 stick softened butter
4 tsp. dried lavender (pulsed or chopped)
4 tsp. honey

Mix together and enjoy! 

Lavender Herb Butter


This herb butter is good for toasted cheese sandwiches, veggies, boiled potatoes, or pasta.

1 stick softened butter
1 tsp. dried chives
2 tsp. dried lavender. (I pulse a batch ahead in my coffee grinder)
1 tsp. dried parsley

Mix together. 

Lavender Garlic Butter

This is great for garlic bread. I just take a french baguette and slice it down the middle. Butter both halves and bake them until they are golden and crispy. Times and temps vary according to what you have in your oven at the time, about 350 F. for 5 to 10 minutes. We like this better than store bought frozen garlic bread because it's less greasy.

1 stick softened butter
1 tsp. dried lavender buds that have been pulsed in a coffee grinder or food processor.
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Serve with a crisp salad and enjoy!

 Sore Throat Soother

 1 whole lemon
1 inch or piece of ginger with skin
1 tablespoon of lavender honey
1 cup of apple juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Blend, strain and enjoy! 

Tip

I keep a jar of chopped lavender made ahead and stored in a dark jar. I found the easiest way is to put some in the coffee grinder and pulse. The food processor also works. A mortar and pestle is great if you have the time.