Yellow Lavender, Spanish Lavaender and French Lavender

Friend and guest blogger on Where and What in the World, Karen, O’Dowd, has inspired me to experiment more with lavender.This fragrant flower taste and aroma makes us long to return the lavender fields in Grass, France, as well as Washington State. However, I am off to New England for apple and harvest picking as Karen heads to China for some delicious tea and other recipes to share.

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I prepared a delightful dessert for a few friends after a Labor Day feast. Adapted from a seven year old recipe from Cooking Light Magazine, I simplified it for a warm evening around the pool.
Lavender Honey and Fruit over Yogurt
Ingredients
I cup of lavender honey (I buy mine at the local Sarasota farm markets, or you can make it, see notes)
1 tablespoon dried lavender blossoms (a gift from Karen’s herb garden)
4 cups or orange sections (from about 6 small oranges from my tree)
1 tablespoon or two of orange rind, optional, but adds to the citrus taste
2 cups of fresh raspberries
4 cups of plain Greek frozen yogurt, or vanilla yogurt, low fat works well
Optional garnish, fresh lavender blossoms
Method
Combine orange sections, rind, raspberries and 1/2 cup honey in a bowl.
Spoon over yogurt.
Add remaining honey.
Garnish with fresh lavender or dried blossoms, if you have them.
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Notes
The original recipe said it served 8, but this one was perfect for 4.
I am sure you could substitute blue or blackberries.
Homemade lavender honey: If you want to make your own flavored honey, simply combine the dried lavender blossoms with honey and cook in a saucepan over very low for about 15-20 minutes. Leave or discard (through a sieve) the flower pieces and cool.
Lavender honey is delicious in hot tea, ice tea or to sweeten lemonade. Also serve it over waffles, pancakes or French toast.
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I served this dessert with a glass of my favorite wine, A Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling. After our  recent IFWTWA tour of this award winning vineyard and winery in Washington State, I am hooked on all of their outstanding wines. Tea, sparkling white or rose wine is another good pairing.