For years I was opposed to the flavor of lavender in food. To my senses the taste of lavender evoked the smell of bath oils and scented candles...relaxing but not appetizing. I'm not sure when it all changed but in recent years I absolutely love the flavor of floral lavender in sweets. Honey lavender ice cream from Carmela's, Lavender Scones from Little Flower or Chocolate Lavender Truffles. Chocolate and lavender being one of the best combinations of course! If you haven't tried it, you really must. Are you a fan of food seasoned with lavender?
illustration by Ann Shen for Freutcake
Lavender Truffles- adapted slightly from All Recipes.com
12 fresh lavender flower heads (3 Tbs dried lavender)
⅓ cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
sea salt
Directions:
1. Place the flower heads and cream into a small sauce pan. Cook over a low flame about 10 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and set aside to continue steeping until the cream is strongly flavored with lavender.
2. Combine the bittersweet chocolate with the semisweet chocolate in a microwave safe glass bowl. Divide the chocolate into equal portions, and set one portion aside. Cook the remaining chocolate in the microwave on High in 20 to 30 second increments until melted, stirring between each heating. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cream into the melted chocolate; discard the flower heads and bits of lavender. Stir the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until somewhat firm, but not hard, about 1 hour.
3. After the lavender chocolate mixture has chilled, place the remaining chocolate and butter into a microwave safe glass bowl. Cook in the microwave on High in 20 to 30 second increments until just melted, stirring between each heating; set aside.
4. Line a baking sheet with a piece of waxed paper. Roll the lavender mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, and dip into the melted chocolate mixture using a skewer or toothpick. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours to harden.
5. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Megan says
I always thought it was a strange combo but then I had a chocolate ice cream and lavender popsicle at a little lavender farm in California one summer and I still think about it!
Sarah says
I've never actually tried lavender and chocolate- proabably because I've had the same reservations as you did. Lavender honey ice cream sounds like kind of the best thing ever, though! Another great combination is orange and dark chocolate.
Jackie l FoodWineFashion.com says
I LOVE lavender in sweet foods. If you use it carefully (so it doesn't end up perfume-y) its delicious. My favorite is an appetizer from Amada in Philadelphia (Chef Jose Garces) - truffled pecorino with lavender honey and green apples. So delish.
Lauren Craig (@PerpetuallyChic) says
I love using lavender in subtle ways. Last summer I got a little obsessed--I made lavender simple syrup then used it in lemonade, in dressings and marinades, and drizzled on yogurt or ice cream!
ladiesinnavy says
yum i love lavender infused foods!
kw ladies in navy
amanda says
I just bought a huge bag of dried lavender. do you know how to substitute the fresh for dried?
freutcake says
I just updated the recipe for you with the amount of dried lavender. Dried will be much stronger than fresh but will work just as well. I would try 3Tbs but if you want a stronger flavor feel free to add more. Remember that the lavender flavor will be toned down a bit when mixed with the chocolate.
Chelsea says
I've never tried anything with lavender because you're right, it brought to mind trips to the Bath & Body Works aromatherapy aisle. I must say though, I'm intrigued. I don't know if I have the baking chops to whip this up myself but if you're ever in the mood feel free to float me some yummy swag! 😉
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
To be honest, I'm not sure that I've ever tried anything flavored with lavender, but these truffles sound delicious! As does the ice cream and the scones! Love the illustration too!
Logan says
I drive about an hour just to get Carmela ice cream! Absolute best!
xoxo
http://ourzeal.blogspot.com
Jenny says
I LOVE lavender foods. I make truffles (pretty much the same recipe!) and shortbread cookies and lemon-lavender-ricotta pancakes with honey, and raspberry-lavender macaroons, and of course herbs de provance is mostly lavender and AMAZING on chicken and lamb... and I've eaten (but not made) made lavender-honey cheesecake which is amazing. There's a soda (brand: Dry soda) that has lavender which is delightful also.
ornamentalhabit says
Yumm! Looks great! Love your blog... just found it... will definitely be back!