Taste: Lavender Latte

Lavender is well known for its tantalizing scent and aromatherapy benefits. Research has documented its efficacy in reducing stress, improving insomnia, and more.

Many of us probably have enjoyed the fragrance of a lavender candle, bath bomb, or essential oil at some point, but what about tasting lavender?

Lavender is delicious in savory and sweet dishes if used with a judicious hand; use too much and it will overpower all else and make you feel like you’re eating a bar of soap. So start with a small amount if you’re experimenting with something new.

Warm drinks are a fabulous vehicle for lavender’s scent and flavor. You can often find it as an ingredient in relaxation teas. Probably my favorite, though, is a lavender latte. It’s the best possible combination of easy yet special, perfect for mornings when you could use a pick me up but don’t have the energy for anything elaborate.

Ingredients:

3 TBSP dark roast coffee

1/2 tsp dried lavender flowers

2 cups whole milk

French press

Instructions:

1. Bring 2 cups of water just to a boil.

2. Place coffee and lavender in a French press and pour hot water over. Put the French press lid on but do not push the plunger.

3. Warm milk in microwave for 30 seconds.

4. Let the coffee and lavender mixture steep for 5 minutes, then push the plunger down.

5. Pour 1 cup of milk into mug and then fill fill to top with lavender coffee.

6. Add sweetener if you like or enjoy its creamy floral gloriousness on its own. This recipe makes 2 servings.

Shopping notes:

You can find fair trade coffee with a wallet-friendly price from Aldi. Thankfully, new research is dispelling the low fat food myth and highlighting the benefits of full fat quality dairy, so I like organic Trickling Springs whole milk from Common Market. It also gets bonus points for being in a cool retro glass container. Finally, you can either dry your own lavender from your own garden, purchase dried blossoms from a farm (like Soleado Lavender Farm), or buy a jar from a culinary source (like Penzey’s Spices). Just be sure that it is pesticide-free and intended for consumption. Do not buy something from Michaels that is intended for Grandma’s potpourri basket as it will probably cause a headache or worse.

Have you ever tasted or cooked with lavender? Please share in the comments.

Like lavender? Read more about it: Teach: Soleado Lavender Farm.

Not near Soleado and need some lavender? Click here to purchase culinary-grade organic lavender:  Organic Lavender Flowers (Extra Grade – Dried) – 4oz Resealable Bag – 100% Raw From France – by Feel Good Organics . A portion of your purchase from Amazon will go towards keeping up my blog. Thanks for your support!