It’s August.
It’s hot.
It’s humid.
It’s not my favorite time of the year.
My only solace is that Fall ( which IS my favorite time of the year) is right behind it. It’s like a consolation prize for suffering through the California heat that beats down on me like a drum every summer. I would move, but heck. I kinda like it here. Except for the heat.
Did I mention I don’t like the heat?
Or the humidity?
Or August?
Forgive me. The heat tends to make me a little nutzy. Maybe more often than I’d like to admit actually. But we’ll move this along. Shall we?
When the days are this blistering hot, I love to make a tall pitcher of ice-cold lemonade. I also like to jazz it up a bit. Typically with strawberries, but occasionally… with lavender. It’s a really yummy twist on an old summer classic.
Make yourself a pitcher, sit back, and try to forget about the heat.
(I said try).
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- 5 cups water
- 1 tbsp. lavender flowers (2 tbsp. for strong flavor)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
Put half your water into a pot along with the lavender and bring to a boil. Once it boils, turn the heat off and allow it to steep for about 20 minutes (preferably with a lid on the pot).
You have two choices here.
A)You can heat up the agave or honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds and pour it into the second (NON lavender) half of your water and blend well.
B) you can heat up the remaining (NON lavender) water in a separate pot and add your sweetener to the hot water. Stir well to combine.
The idea here is to get the sweetener to dissolve into the water. Any way you accomplish that is fine.
Strain your lavender water into a pitcher and then add the rest of your ingredients. (Discard the lavender flowers) Stir well. Serve over ice.
Note: If this mixture is to strong, just add water until it reaches a strength you like. I like mine strong, and this recipe definitely reflects that.
mel reidy says
Love your website. What can you tell me about agave nectar? Is it a clean eating food our something I should be using sparingly? I am a clean eating fanatic and work out enthusiast. Your info. is really helpful. Thanks so much.
Maryellen Reidy (mel)
Needham, MA
The Gracious Pantry says
Hi Mel,
The jury is still out on agave. While it’s natural and low on the glycemic index, there is some question about the processing it undergoes. I have feelers out to several sources, but have not heard back. I will make a more concerted effort once my finals are over.
Wish I had more info for you. Sorry. For now, use it sparingly.
graciouspantry says
Jennifer – It’s wonderful stuff! Just keep in mind that I made this strong. I prefer it that way. So don’t be surprised if you need to water it down some.
wakeboardsam says
Where can I get lavender flowers? If I can’t find the flowers can i use some kind of extract or oil? I’ve never cooked with anything like them before. Thanks!
The Gracious Pantry says
Wakeboardsam – Usually, any store that has a good selection of spices will have them. I bought mine at Whole Foods. You can also order them from amazon.