Herbs: Lavender (and Recipes)
By Cindy Naas
The sweet fragrance of lavender on a hot summer afternoon is one of my favorite scents of summer.
I have lavender plants tucked into nooks and crannies all over my garden because of the perfume this herb gives off.
Because it can be used in cooking, herbal medicine and in perfuming the home, lavender will always be a must-have in my urban garden.
Growing: Lavender requires full sun and very well drained soil. It is not a heavy feeder and will do poorly in soil which stays too damp. Mine is grown throughout my rock garden instead of with the other herbs, and it benefits from being surrounded by the warm rocks as well as from the gritty soil.
Harvesting: Lavender blooms are used in creating a blend of herbs used in Provencal cooking, ‘Herbes de Provence’. Cut stems of lavender flowers in full bloom, and then strip the blossoms from the stems. To use in freshening a linen closet or bedroom, cut many stems of flowers, dry upside down and hang on a wall.
Recipes:
Herbes de Provence:
Mix equal parts of the following:
- thyme
- summer savory
- rosemary
- lavender
- parsley
- basil
- tarragon
- chervil
Grilled Chicken Provencal
- 1 whole chicken cut into quarters
- juice from 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
Wash and dry chicken. Rub with olive oil. Slice garlic into slivers and insert under the skin of each piece of chicken. Pour juice of 1 lemon over chicken, and sprinkle salt, pepper and herbes de Provence over the chicken. Allow to sit for 1/2 hour. Grill chicken on low setting on outside grill. To roast in the oven, preheat oven to 450 F. Place chicken into heated oven and immediately turn heat down to 325. Bake for one hour or until juices run clear.
Linen water - used to give freshly laundered clothing a clean fresh summery scent
- 1 pint vodka
- 1 cup lavender stems and flowers, crushed slightly
- 3 cups spring water
Let lavender steep in vodka overnight. Strain and add water. Use in shaker or spray bottle to wet clothing and sheets when ironing. Use as room spray if desired.
