CUPCAKES AND LOVE OF LAVENDER

Lavender and its Benefits

The lavender in my flower beds started blooming during the spring. Anticipating the heavenly fragrance from the blooms for the veranda, I wanted to pick up new plants from my garden center for planting in containers.  Of course, I haven't been out since early March and the quarantine and I was concerned that this late date for planting here there would not be any plants left. I decided it would be safe enough if I took all the precautions and go shopping. This weekend I made a short and very early morning visit to the garden center. I was one of a few people in the outdoor center and I was wearing a mask for safety for myself and others and I practiced social distancing. If you know me you know I could spend hours here but I was in and out in lighting speed! Get what I need and leave was my motto. I found the plants, a new shipment had arrived. These plants

will be used around the sunny area of the veranda and patio

and will be enjoyed all summer long. Did you know you can use lavender to help you enjoy your outdoor space more, it is an excellent insect-repellent plant. Try strategically placing lavender plants around your outdoor space. It will not prevent mosquitos and gnats but it helps. We will transfer the container lavender to flower beds in the fall. I love being outside enjoying the fragrance and watching hummingbirds partake of my lavender. 

A few more ways I enjoy lavender is is for cleaning. I add a few drops of essence oil

to antibacterial soap and water for wiping down surfaces in the kitchen and baths. My counters sparkle and smell so fresh and clean. A few drops of essence oil to dryer balls is fabulous for sweet smelling laundry. I love the added fragrance of lavender soap

in the baths. Personally, I love lavender sachets, lotions and mists, they are wonderful for lulling you to sleep after your bath. 

Another way I enjoy lavender is baking. Lavender loves to be mixed with other flavors, lemon and honey are two favorites. This cupcake 

recipe is great for a shower, tea or birthday party for adults, no sprinkles here!  A few weeks ago I baked this favorite cupcake recipe. 

Lavender is blooming and I thought I would share it here with you.

Lemon Lavender Cupcakes

*Always use culinary lavender

Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

dash salt

1/2 cup butter

1cup sugar

2 eggs plus 2 egg whites, room temperature 

1 cup lavender infused milk

1 tsp lemon extract

Frosting

3/4 cup butter, room temperature  

1 tsp lemon extract

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 Tbsp lavender infused milk (more or less as needed)

lemon zest from 3 lemons for garnish 

lavender buds for garnish
lavender sugar for garnish

Instructions

*To make lavender infused milk

Add culinary lavender buds to the amount of milk you need for recipe. Soak overnight and strain (or you can use cheese cloth).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray muffin pan with Baker's Joy or line with cupcake liners.

In a mixing bowl sift together flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar a little at a time while beating until combined.

Add eggs and egg whites and continue to beat until fluffy. 

Gradually add the flour mixture, lavender milk and lemon extract mixture, alternating these to the butter and egg mixture and continue beating until incorporated.  

Spoon batter evenly into cupcake pan. Bake 16-20 minutes (depending on your oven) until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

Pretty in MacKenzie-Childs cupcake liners

Frosting

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lavender milk and continue to beat until combined. Add more or less milk and sugar to get the right consistency for spreading. 

Frost cupcakes and garnish with lemon zest and lavender buds.

Do you enjoy baking with lavender? If you do I would love for you to tell me. I hope you will leave a comment, it's the only way I know you were here. 

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