Cooking with Lavender

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Herbes de Provence can be varied to suit your taste. Recipe Photography by Joe Coca

and you can eat it, too!

THE LORE OF LAVENDER is filled with stories of its powerful influences on love, war, and politics. In the kitchen, however, delicacy is lavender’s contribution. Just a little goes a long way for most people; for those who want a stronger taste of the herb, add a bit more to the recipe.

Lavender Herb Tea

Makes 4 cups

Shoo away the cares of the day with this calming tea.

1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
l teaspoon green tea leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried yarrow flowers
4 cups boiling water

Place the herbs in a warmed teapot. Pour in the boiling water, cover, and steep for 3 minutes. Strain and serve, sweetened with a little honey if desired.

Adapted with permission from Lavender: Nature’s Way to Relaxation and Health by Philippa Waring. London: Souvenir Press, 1997.

Lavender–Wine Crunchies

Makes 3 to 4 dozen wafers

Try these crunchy little gems with a cup of strong tea or glass of Chardonnay.

1/2 teaspoon crushed dried lavender ­flowers
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup white wine

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, combine the lavender flowers, orange zest, flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Stir and add wine, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the dough forms a ball.

On a floured pastry board, roll the dough into a rectangle 1/8 inch thick. Fold in thirds; roll again. Repeat, rolling somewhat thinner this time.

With a sharp knife, cut the dough into squares or other shapes. Place the pieces on an ungreased baking sheet. Prick each one two or three times with a fork.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to a rack to cool.

Herbes de Provence

Makes about 1 cup

You’ll find yourself humming “La Marseillaise,” France’s national anthem, as you reach for this versatile, infinitely variable herb blend.