Lavender Honey Recipes: Sweet and Savory Delights

Lavender-infused honey is a delightful way to add a touch of floral elegance to your culinary creations. Whether you're sweetening your tea, drizzling it over desserts, or incorporating it into savory dishes, lavender honey offers a unique flavor profile that's both aromatic and delicious.

In this blog, we'll explore several lavender honey recipes that you can easily make at home, and we’ll highlight the benefits of using locally-sourced lavender products, such as those from Mesa Verde Lavender Farm.

Why Use Lavender Honey?

Lavender honey is not just a tasty treat; it's also packed with health benefits:

• Antioxidants: Lavender honey is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from free radicals.

• Soothing Properties: The calming effects of lavender make this honey a perfect addition to evening teas, helping to promote relaxation and sleep.

• Versatility: Lavender honey can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet to savory, making it a versatile ingredient in any kitchen.

Using lavender honey from a local farm like Mesa Verde Lavender Farm ensures you get the highest quality product, free from pesticides and chemicals. Locally-sourced lavender also means you're supporting sustainable farming practices in your community.

Lavender Honey Recipes

1. Lavender Honey Tea

This simple recipe is perfect for a calming evening drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of lavender-infused honey

• 1 cup of hot water or your favorite herbal tea

Instructions:

1. Brew Your Tea: Prepare your favorite herbal tea or simply use hot water.

2. Add Honey: Stir in a teaspoon of lavender-infused honey until dissolved.

3. Enjoy: Sip slowly and enjoy the calming effects of lavender.

2. Lavender Honey Glazed Chicken

For a savory twist, try this lavender honey glazed chicken recipe. The floral notes of lavender honey complement the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a dish that's both elegant and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts

• 3 tablespoons of lavender-infused honey

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the lavender honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Glaze the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush the lavender honey glaze over them.

4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Serve: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

3. Lavender Honey Ice Cream

For a sweet treat, lavender honey ice cream is a must-try. This recipe is perfect for summer and will impress your guests with its unique flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of heavy cream

• 1 cup of whole milk

• ¾ cup of lavender-infused honey

• 5 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and lavender honey. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.

2. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and fluffy.

3. Combine: Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

4. Cook: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

5. Chill: Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.

4. Lavender Honey Lemonade

This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup of lavender-infused honey

• 4 cups of cold water

• Ice cubes

• Lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix Lemon Juice and Honey: In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and lavender-infused honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.

2. Add Water: Pour in the cold water and stir to combine.

3. Serve: Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with lavender sprigs if desired.

5. Lavender Honey Oatmeal Cookies

For a delightful baked good, try these lavender honey oatmeal cookies. They’re chewy, fragrant, and make for a perfect snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of rolled oats

• ½ teaspoon of baking soda

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• ½ cup of butter, softened

• ½ cup of lavender-infused honey

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Honey: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and lavender-infused honey until light and fluffy.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Why Buy Local Lavender?

When making these recipes, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients, and that includes your lavender. Mesa Verde Lavender Farm offers premium culinary lavender that’s perfect for infusing honey and other recipes. By buying local, you’re not only getting fresher products but also supporting sustainable farming practices in your community. Plus, local lavender is often more potent and aromatic due to its freshness.

Mesa Verde Honey Lavender

Lavender honey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're looking to add a floral twist to your favorite recipes or simply want to enjoy the health benefits of lavender, these recipes are a great place to start. Don't forget to source your lavender locally from places like Mesa Verde Lavender Farm to ensure you're getting the best quality for your culinary creations.

For more ideas and tips on using lavender in cooking, be sure to explore Healthline's guide on culinary uses of lavender.