tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237053712012-01-22T04:56:36.070-08:00Come along with Kathy as she uncovers the wonder of lavender. Kathy shares her culinary adventures, her research into the myth and magic of lavender.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-52087526243976827272010-07-29T16:49:00.000-07:002010-07-29T15:52:52.124-07:00

Sweet Potato Fries As I've traveled around to talk about my new book – “Discover Cooking with Lavender”, I’ve learned even more new ways to enjoy this aromatic herb. My favorite is Sweet Potato French Fries topped with Lavender and Blue Cheese. I congratulate the innovative chef who put this item on the menu at Mark Restaurant and Bar. Lavender doesn't usually get even a small mention

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-45966087742934053112010-06-13T21:35:00.001-07:002010-06-14T08:02:45.009-07:00

Summer Mango Salsa This colorful salsa tastes great with corn chips. I love serving as a sauce for halibut. 1 mango, peeled and diced in ¼ inch cubes I avocado, peeled, pitted and diced in ¼ inch cubes 1 tomato, seeded and diced in ¼ inch cubes ½ cup red onion, diced 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-40849234482533855112010-05-05T23:11:00.001-07:002010-05-05T23:11:05.578-07:00

Mother’s Day Gift Guide from Discover Lavender:  Top Ten Gift Ideas 1. Give your mom “Discover Cooking with Lavender.” No surprise that my number one gift idea for Mother’s Day (and almost any event you can dream up) is my very own cookbook, “Discover Cooking with Lavender.” What would you think if I didn't put it at the top of the list? This book is the ultimate guide to cooking with

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-79349287696769866812010-05-01T00:20:00.001-07:002010-05-01T00:20:40.536-07:00

May 1st is National HerbDay! Events celebrating herbs are happening all around the country. Click here to find an event in your area.  I will be at a local nursery demonstrating how to plant a kitchen herb garden. Having a garden full of herbs is a luxury. Imagine having enough dill to make a sauce to serve with fresh salmon or halibut. Think of cutting fresh rosemary for seasoning

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-72223457485260969782010-04-16T22:02:00.001-07:002010-04-16T22:02:03.357-07:00

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!”                                                  ~Katherine Hepburn I used to follow recipes just as they were printed. I’ve never been one to follow directions and rules, so I’m not sure why I made recipes an exception for so many years. When I began developing recipes for my cookbook, my perspective

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-23937342024757506032010-04-08T22:09:00.001-07:002010-04-08T22:09:54.373-07:00

On Easter Sunday, my husband John and I were invited to join friends and family for a brunch and Easter egg hunt. Kirsten, our hostess, is one of those people who makes everything look easy and elegant. To express our appreciation, I'd created a special hostess gift for Kirsten.   I had filled a basket with a small lavender plant, culinary lavender buds, a Dagoba Lavender

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-39464776041220741542010-04-01T17:46:00.001-07:002010-04-01T17:46:16.815-07:00

Rhubarb grew in my mother’s garden. In early spring, I remember my mother cutting the pink slender stalks and making stewed rhubarb. She served this to us at breakfast and sometimes as dessert after supper. I loved the sweet and sour contrast that comes with eating rhubarb. Sometimes, I would take a raw piece, dip it in sugar and suck on the fruit enjoying the taste. After reading

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-83900846000137806882010-03-30T09:39:00.001-07:002010-03-30T09:39:36.273-07:00

The weather was dark and dreary when the February issue of Bon Appetit arrived in my mail box. My mood immediately became sunnier, when I opened the cover to find a tempting recipe for Madeleines with Lavender Honey. (I get my lavender honey from Olympic Lavender Farm.) A reader requested a recipe for “the best Madeleines she ever tasted” on a trip to Avignon.  I read the list of

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-64462521288594006852010-01-20T22:02:00.001-08:002010-01-21T14:29:57.852-08:00

Blue sky, bright sunshine greeted me as I drove along highway 56 on the north shore of this island. Banana Joe’s, a little fruit stand, yellow with green trim, looked cheerful, with red poinsettias growing near the entrance. But the parking lot was empty. I wondered if it were even open. Although this place is renowned for its tropical fruit smoothies, I discovered it also offers an array of

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-59635353757047937982009-12-30T21:35:00.001-08:002009-12-30T21:35:58.533-08:00

My husband, John, and I were thrilled to have a direct flight from Seattle to Lihue, Kauai, a mere six hours and ten minutes to arrive in a tropical paradise. Our food strategy included lunch at Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SeaTac) before boarding the Boeing 737 that would take us thousands of miles over the Pacific ocean. In case of a hunger attack, I had packed three Honey Crisp apples and a stash

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-64018642543475291962009-12-16T16:41:00.001-08:002009-12-16T16:41:16.375-08:00

During the holiday season, I find myself desperately searching for that perfect gift. Frequently, this challenge becomes more difficult because many of my friends and relatives have everything they need and more. The age-old question becomes, “How do I remember the people on my gift list with an appropriate and thoughtful gift?” My friend, Heidi’s advice is to give edible

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-80384007768484834522009-12-08T21:35:00.001-08:002009-12-09T17:57:11.517-08:00

What is it about chocolate? It seems to create magic whenever it shows up. Anne Mills, a chocolatier, creates magic in her Seattle shop where she makes and decorates truffles as well as specialty chocolates. Anne's store, Eat Chocolates, located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, has a European feel. A frisky calico kitten named Kashmir runs around the shop Brightly painted

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-9630497505849592102009-12-04T21:55:00.001-08:002009-12-05T00:06:37.500-08:00

Five inexpensive luxurious one-of-a-kind gifts that are perfect for teachers, neighbors and relatives who you want to remember this holiday season.1. A small jar of home-made jelly sends a sweet message anytime of the year. I like to make apple lavender jelly because it is easy, inexpensive and a special treat. My recipe makes approximately 4 six ounce jars. ------------Apple Lavender JellySweet

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-66718963075996844362009-11-30T09:16:00.001-08:002009-11-30T09:21:27.928-08:00

Once upon a time, Seattle’s premier department store was Frederick and Nelsons. Located in downtown Seattle, this store opened its door in 1890 “selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889.” Over the years, the store expanded adding a tea room, and departments such as clothing, shoes, linens, jewelry and cosmetics. In 1992, shopping patterns had

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-39013583152372520992009-11-27T16:20:00.001-08:002009-11-27T16:20:23.609-08:00

Experimenting with new foods and flavors fascinates me. Recently, in a discussion about quince, my friend Jan Schwert mentioned that when she was traveling in Spain, she discovered quince paste.  “This paste is served on crackers with cheese at nearly every meal,” she said. I wanted a taste of this quince paste and I wanted to know more about it. After discovering the Spanish word for

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-62788676630354751352009-11-23T23:59:00.001-08:002009-11-23T23:59:32.778-08:00

Grandma Grace: The Queen of Quince Jelly Yesterday, I spent the afternoon making quince jelly. This is a perfect example of how one thing often leads to another. After poaching quince for my quince tatin, I saved the remaining poaching liquid. David Lebovitz described how he turned his left-over poaching liquid into quince jelly.  Since quince jelly holds first place in my list of

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-61264418424311935022009-11-16T21:22:00.001-08:002009-11-16T21:22:11.454-08:00

Quince Tart Tatin Tart Tatin is one of my favorite desserts. Apple Tart Tatin brings back memories of my grandmother’s apple pies. The apples are soft, sweet and the buttery pastry is delicate and delicious. I’ve also made Pear Tart Tatin. So when I came across David Lebovitz’s recipe for Quince Tart Tatin, I was eager to give it a try. I began by poaching the quince until it was

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-54025154682568457812009-11-16T09:53:00.001-08:002009-11-16T09:53:08.896-08:00

Quintessential Quince Quince, once considered a symbol of love, has been around for more than 4000 years. This fruit, yellow-skinned, tastes like a cross between an apple and a pear. Quince belongs to the rose family. This fruit won't win any beauty pageants. Its shape is irregular, its skin is often blemished and its texture is hard and dry. When quince is poached in wine and

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-62576341222738483922009-11-12T21:24:00.000-08:002009-11-13T20:23:12.192-08:00

Pomegranates, originated in the arid regions of the Mediterranean, grow on shrubby trees. This fruit with its red leathery rind is full of ruby-colored seeds. The edible seeds are both tangy and sweet.On a recent visit to southern California, I spent a day at the Getty Villa in Malibu. The Getty Villa, modeled after a Roman country house, shows off the lifestyle of this time. Love for symmetry,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-56738556024842827842009-09-23T15:31:00.001-07:002009-09-23T16:07:21.436-07:00

Discovering a new bakery, especially one that uses herbs, is a special treat. Botanical Bakery offers a variety of gourmet tea cookies. They use only organic ingredients. The tea cookies are small, crisp and buttery. I ordered Lavender Tea Cookies on Monday and they arrived on my doorstep in Seattle on Tuesday afternoon. Botanical Bakery, located in Napa Valley, offers six flavors; Lavender,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-44629836584782021422009-09-20T16:20:00.000-07:002009-09-20T16:33:19.601-07:00

I used to believe marshmallows were for kids, camping and jello salads. This summer when I made marshmallows at home, I rediscovered these sweet treats and learned about six of their sensational secrets. 1. Marshmallows get their name from an herb called the Marsh Mallow. The root of this plant contains a jelly-like substance used by ancient Egyptians for both medicine and candy. 2. Marshmallows

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-10273509271764124952009-09-16T18:55:00.000-07:002009-09-16T19:07:22.757-07:00

“I thought we would stay home for dinner tonight.” Patty said. “I am going to make a light Southwestern-style chicken soup and a salad.” My sister Patty and her husband, Stan, had picked me up at the Airport in Grand Rapids and we were driving to their home. The early evening sun was still hot and the air felt sticky. I had come to Grand Rapids for Patty’s book launch party at a local bookstore.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-78680003890248239162009-09-08T16:48:00.001-07:002009-09-08T17:26:32.090-07:00

Seattle's summer left town for Labor Day weekend. On Monday, I went for a five-mile run. Panting for air, I struggled up a steep hill. This stunning shrub stopped me with its beauty. Honey bees could not resist these big blossoms. Maybe the summer weather had taken a holiday,however the bees were on duty and the bush was doing its job.Okay, maybe I was looking for an excuse to take a break from

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-31003912377996093912009-07-31T13:39:00.000-07:002009-07-31T21:54:24.465-07:00

Love this New York Times' piece, "Not Just the Wine Is Purple: Lavender Wafts Across Sonoma". I have read many accounts describing visits to lavender fields, this is the first time I have heard that humming buzz was the main attraction. Last summer, I also had the opportunity to visit Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa. My husband and I walked through the gardens, tasted wine and enjoyed the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-54779915267830061232009-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:002009-07-11T22:24:29.706-07:00

Lovely lavender stars in this weekends harvest celebration. Sunny, hot weather made everything sparkle and shine. I visited Crescent Falls Organic Farm, the venue for the Lavender Sisters celebration. What a treat!This young lovely woman is showing us how to create a lavender wand. Weaving ribbons around lavender stems results in a regal wand that offers the fragrance of lavender to be enjoyed

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-39804899669087539022009-07-10T19:11:00.001-07:002009-07-10T19:31:51.352-07:00

Lavender celebrations will attract hundreds of people to Vashon Island (just minutes from Seattle by ferry) this weekend. Officially known as the Vashon Lavender Farm Tour, this event is a "must" for people who enjoy natural beauty. The fields full of purple flowers dancing in the breeze will delight you. The music, food and fun brings us together to admire nature's abundance. "Lavender:

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-9134618599666455452009-07-04T21:31:00.000-07:002009-07-04T21:57:59.832-07:00

Sweet, pitted, caramelized cherries make a fantastic dessert. Whether you spoon over angel food cake, drizzle over vanilla ice cream or use as topping on a fudgy brownie, these cherries are a hit. The recipe, published in the June 2009 issue of Sunset magazine, is quick and easy. Pitting the cherries takes a little time, however I used a new tool, a cherry/olive pitter. This tool made it easy.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-30923871854672237352009-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:002009-07-01T20:45:27.075-07:00

Two Tall Cool Ones: Summer RefreshmentLooking for a quick and refreshing summer drink? Try this combination of Pinot Grigio with raspberries, orange juice and lavender syrup.Bright and fresh, this raspberry lavender cooler is sure to delight you and your guests.Raspberry Lavender Cooler1 (10 ounce) bag for frozen raspberries, thawed1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice1/4 cup lavender syrup1

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-80739237440146704842009-05-14T11:59:00.000-07:002009-05-15T10:01:03.821-07:00

The scent of lavender is pungent with an earthy, pine-like fragrance. Long used in soap and body lotions, this herb is now an essential in the kitchen.1. Harvesting lavender is easy. When the blooms are almost fully open, simply cut a spike of organic lavender around midday when the blossoms are dry. With your thumb and index finger, rub buds off into a bowl. Store buds in a pantry away from the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1817826396700039072009-05-01T18:40:00.001-07:002009-05-01T19:00:39.192-07:00

Lavender, the Swiss army knife of herbs, seems to be capable of anything and everything. Rubbed on burns, added to soap and lotions, infused in sugar and planted in our gardens, lavender continues to surprise me. Would you believe me if I told you lavender played a pivotal role in the world’s first photograph?In the summer of 1826, a gentleman named Joseph Niepce created a photograph at his

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-71175946198652549202009-04-29T09:39:00.001-07:002009-04-29T11:12:44.225-07:00

1.The colorful flowers attract my attention first. The lavender plants in my garden tease me with their showy purple spikes that bloom in early summer. We mostly visualize the colors of blue and purple when we think of lavender, although some varieties do have white flowers and other are pink.2.While lavender’s appearance is a visual treat, its rich history intrigues my intellect. Cleopatra,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-68457010889771830142009-04-24T10:04:00.000-07:002009-04-27T18:00:00.809-07:00

Clairmont Farms, near the town of Los Olivos, was a horse ranch before becoming home to 12,000 lavender plants. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, these lavender fields flow across five acres. A long, bumpy driveway is lined with gnarled olive trees. These trees were planted more than 175 years ago by Spanish missionaries.The sun feels hot as we step out of our air

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-89658719608495181212009-04-23T13:50:00.000-07:002009-04-23T17:45:44.802-07:00

Sick and tired of sticky sugary soda? Looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink to enjoy with lunch or dinner? You may want to try DRY soda.Available in six flavors, this soda is simple and elegant. The soda contains only natural ingredients – sugar, water and flavored with fruit, flower or herb extracts. DRY soda comes in sleek bottles with an award-winning design. Flavors include Lavender,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-44962952178130408292009-04-21T17:49:00.000-07:002009-04-22T17:22:17.498-07:00

The Queen of Herbs: Lavender Rules In The Garden, Spa, Kitchen and EverywhereNature’s beauty challenges our ability to describe in mere words or even in photographs. Ellen Spector Platt’s new edition of Lavender – How To Grow And Use The Fragrant Herb (Stackpole Books 2009) meets this challenge and then some. The book, 145 pages, contains photographs of lavender fields, garden paths, wreaths and

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-40566505135564876772009-04-20T19:53:00.000-07:002009-04-20T20:11:54.745-07:00

Sold Out? Stopped at Whole Foods around noon today, hoping to buy organic culinary lavender buds. Over the long dark, not to mention, cold winter, I've used up my stash. Although in each dish, only a tiny amount of lavender buds are required, I have enjoyed flavoring sugar, vinegar, cookies, cakes and salad dressing and more with the fresh taste of lavender. I made a bee line for the bulk herb

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-26542724402179683402009-04-19T22:33:00.000-07:002009-04-19T23:06:24.215-07:00

Apple Jelly Flavored with LavenderJelly, jelly, jelly - don't you love this word! A week or so ago, my apples were getting a bit long in the tooth. What to do? Jelly, jelly, jelly...I decided to try my hand at making apple jelly. Flavored with lavender and a tiny amount of cassis, this jelly was amazing.As a child, I enjoyed jams and jellies made by my dear mother. As an adult, I have forsaken

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-74491440427842414862009-04-18T13:42:00.000-07:002009-04-18T14:12:13.300-07:00

Sugar for All Seasons Sugar - seasoned with herbs, spice, flowers or citrus - combines sweetness with pungent exotic flavor. Most of us remember cinnamon sugar sprinkled on buttered toast. When my mother made pie, she always set aside pastry scraps for what she called “sample”. After rolling the odds and ends of these scraps, she placed them on a cookie sheet, dabbed butter on top of the pastry

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-69882037933123420532009-02-22T14:08:00.000-08:002009-02-22T14:53:52.888-08:00

Farmer's Market Vegetable TrayEating enough vegetables can be a challenge. Somehow it is easier to reach for a cracker or chips rather than take time to wash and peel a carrot or cut up a red pepper. The best thing about this recipe is the peeling, cutting and seasoning can be done ahead of time. The vegetables are in your refrigerator ready for that moment when you need a quick and satisfying

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-14873662014237257132009-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:002009-02-09T07:49:59.349-08:00

Roasted Romaine Saladvar gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7395075-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {} Roasting romaine sounded strange to me the first time

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-64303493844829612612009-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:08:24.861-08:00

Grilled Pear CrostiniAppetizers have always held a special place in my food memory bank. Many years ago, before eating green was in vogue, my mother grew her own vegetables, made most everything from scratch, and fed her family fresh, healthy foods. When her children were too hungry to wait for dinner, my mother created a platter of carrots, celery, cucumber and radishes. Then I did not know that

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-90741285220248843902009-01-29T21:53:00.000-08:002009-01-29T23:00:43.384-08:00

Roasted Leg of LambJulia Child had most everything right. Her influence on American cuisine continues to lead us to enjoy good food. Her recipe for grilled leg of lamb is nearly perfect. I just had to tinker just a bit to incorporate lavender into this dish. Lamb, lavender, southern France belong together. Don't wait for a special occasion to try this. The lamb's flavor is complemented by the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-52786806466705359832009-01-27T22:01:00.000-08:002009-01-27T22:13:58.329-08:00

Ginger Carrot Soup Seattle is often gray and dark this time of year. Maybe that is the reason this soup appeals to me. Its bright color matches its bright flavor. The complex taste has many layers. I used herbes de provence to accent the sweetness of the carrots. Curry was added to give the soup a little kick. Ginger Carrot Soup1 tablespoon butter1/2 cup minced onion1/4 cup grated peeled

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-83923468197541336882009-01-23T21:01:00.000-08:002009-01-27T22:18:41.396-08:00

Mixed Berry GratinBlueberries and raspberries sit on top of an egg custard sweetened and flavored with lavender honey in this dessert. I sprinkled a bit of sugar over the fruit, and then set it under a hot broiler. The sugar caramelizes and gets a little crusty. This sweet gratin has it all: color, flavor and texture.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-86494308069073083212009-01-22T18:00:00.000-08:002009-01-27T22:18:09.147-08:00

Lavender Shortbread Cookies Shortbread cookies originated in Scotland. Butter, sugar and flour are blended to create a rich and simple cookie. My version brings in lavender and lemon flavors.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-36345813793733422842009-01-19T18:59:00.001-08:002009-01-19T19:12:46.644-08:00

Kathy Gehrt wrote:Making Perfect Chocolate Mousse Chocolate Mousse, an elegant dessert, became popular in the United States in the last part of the 19th century. The rich and frothy dessert is usually made with eggs, chocolate and cream. Mousse is a French word meaning foam. Julia Child’s chocolate mousse recipe uses egg yolks, sugar and butter and instead of cream, Julia uses egg whites. Today,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-896914944581521902009-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:002009-01-17T12:46:00.697-08:00

Blueberry Cheesecake BarsTesting recipe gets me in a great mood. Yesterday, my grandchildren and I made Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. The original recipe was published in Better Homes and Garden in the summer of 2008. One of my sisters sent it to me suggesting I modify to include lavender. I changed the recipe some months ago, and yesterday I did the taste test.I added lavender sugar to the cream

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-68514414644542899512009-01-02T09:37:00.001-08:002009-01-02T09:39:45.174-08:00

Rug For My Home Don't you love the colors and the symmetry of the stripes? This small area rug is at the entry to my lower level. I love to see this in my home. It is a work of art.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-10572835687590580862009-01-01T18:14:00.000-08:002009-01-01T18:24:48.532-08:00

Lavender Hot Mat Created by Linnea DonnenLavender stems woven in to a hot mat is not only beautiful, it will make your kitchen fragrant. This one was designed and woven by Linnea Donnen, a Seattle weaver. Linnea uses color, texture and pattern to design unique items such as rugs, scarves, table runners and towels. She has incorporated horses hair, twigs and lavender stems in her work. She is

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-76004566828696313692008-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:002008-12-30T11:35:42.379-08:00

Winter Color - LavenderSeattle, still recovering from a BIG snow storm, offers beauty in winter. I took a long run this morning, and was captivated by this image. In my front garden, this lovely little flower brightens the landscape with a touch of color. Delicate and tough, lavender inspires me with its perseverance.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-50447758328247227762008-12-04T23:46:00.000-08:002008-12-04T23:50:07.605-08:00

This past week, I have been working on creating easy recipes for home-made gifts for the holidays. After extensive researching and testing, I have come up with a top ten list. They are easy, fast, inexpensive ideas for UNFORGETTABLE holiday gifts. I will post more tomorrow.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-16376566994511910542008-01-13T20:54:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:39:15.397-08:00

A Rose By Any Other Name is still a Rose?When is a rose not a rose? The answer is when you are looking a the pure white Christmas Rose, this 'rose' is a hellebore. Specifically, it is a Helleborus niger. The cultivar is Joseph Lemper.This photo was taken on January 13th in Seattle. Notice the happy bee!

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1979206062553942262008-01-12T10:15:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:39:15.466-08:00

Hellebores: Here They ComeIn early January, I was stunned by the change in the hellebore in the pot on my porch. The chartreuse foliage stood out against Seattle’s gray wet backdrop while the greenish white clusters of drooping blossoms looked like waxy pale fruit. I was amazed to see flowers forming so early in the year. Although I knew these plants were early bloomers, this was the first time I

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-32414250068099096822007-08-19T21:21:00.001-07:002008-12-09T01:39:15.611-08:00

Tonight I discovered the MOST delicious dessert ever! Easy, only 137 calories per serving, packed with flavor, this sweet treat is called "Honey-Lavender Plum Gratin." The recipe was sent to me by EATING WELL. Let's just say it is a keeper!Lavender is infused into the custard and creates a subtle, yet distinctive, floral taste complementing the sweetness of the plums. I used Lavender Honey to

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-83164640510583013012007-07-08T09:12:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:39:15.934-08:00

Mount Rainier greeted me as I returned to Seattle from my day on Vashon Island. The entire experience - beginning with an exotic Lavender Mocha and ending with a full on view of this magnificent mountain (not to mention the day spent in lavender fields) was exquisite! The Vashon Island Lavender Harvest Celebration was the reason for my trip across Puget Sound to this lovely island. First stop

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-54658319058768372032007-04-12T21:48:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:39:16.383-08:00

Roasted Salmon with Citrus Herb SauceLooking for a delicious, easy and healthy dinner idea? The Seattle Times published a recipe on Wednesday, April 11th that caught my attention. I love dinners that can be cooked in the oven; no watching over a hot cooktop and minimal cleanup. When the recipe is built around salmon, onions, herbs and citrus, it is even better.Along with the salmon, I served

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1174922044791354192007-03-26T09:14:00.000-07:002007-03-26T11:19:03.676-07:00

Discovering ButterfishSaturday, I went to fishermen's Terminal to purchase Black Cod. Wild Salmon Seafood had fresh Black Cod at $14.99 per pound.John and I were hosting our investment club for dinner. The star of the menu was this Alaskan fish we discovered in Maui under the assumed name of Butterfish. Black Cod is also known as Sable Fish. In Maui, we enjoyed Butterfish at Sansei, a local

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1174581968842848182007-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:002007-03-22T10:50:24.340-07:00

I am pleased to announce the addition of a new lavender farm to my list of growers. Of course, the farm has an intriguing name......Winding Brook Estate. Located in Missouri, they have more than 7000 plants and a lovely website ( www.windingbrookestate.com).We are delighted to add Winding Brook Estate to our list of growers.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1164426114174353662006-11-24T19:41:00.000-08:002007-03-23T20:17:46.420-07:00

Olympia Farmer's MarketWinter is here in the Pacific Northwest. No more sunny warm days. Sandals and shorts will have to wait for the next season. Rain pouring from the sky. My favorite way to cheer up is to spend time at the farmer's market. Olympia's Farmers Market is one of the best.I came home with pears, plums, cabbage, parsley and carrots. Crunchy and bright orange, the carrots tasted sweet

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1161060608538279232006-10-16T21:41:00.000-07:002006-10-17T13:19:27.016-07:00

Austin's SweaterI love to knit! Today I finally completed the sweater and hat for my nephew, Austin. I desperately needed a model, and persuaded my dog, Mattie, to do the honor. Now, you have to admit he looks quite rakish!

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1159402026001887022006-09-27T16:42:00.000-07:002006-10-04T18:26:54.873-07:00

About Tisanes and TeasHow about a nice cup of tea or tisane? What is tisane? Simply another word for hebal tea. Calorie-free and caffeine-free, these drinks became popular before black tea became available as a luxury import.To make a tisane, use the infusion method. I love lavender tisane. Easy to make, refreshing and relaxing, drinking lavender tisane brings me a taste of summer whenever and

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1159325726076507892006-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:002006-10-04T18:30:44.616-07:00

Scones: Ginger, Lemon and Lavender For the last month, I have craved scones. Every morning, I justify my indulgence for a scone and latte by a long and vigorous walk directly to my favorite coffee shop. A warm, sunny autumn provides the perfect weather for my morning outing. Today, I decided it was time to make my own scones. I tried two recipes: Ginger scones from Nancy Silverton's Pastries (

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1159232028049115282006-09-25T17:38:00.000-07:002006-10-04T18:38:25.746-07:00

Herbal tea, vibrant and refreshing, replenishes my spirit and delights my taste buds.The Wu wei blend was created by a Seattle Teahouse in our Wallingford area -Teahouse Kuan Yin. Drink it for its beauty; the color is like a ruby. Also, the taste delights. Hibiscus, lemon balm, orange peel, lavender buds and cloves blend and offer a tastes from the garden.Drink it cold on a hot afternoon if you

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1150851014713500442006-06-20T17:50:00.000-07:002006-06-20T17:59:56.056-07:00

Seattle Lavender on June 20Sweet, lovely lavender basking in Seattle sunshine. Looking beautiful along the street in my neighborhood. I could not resist taking several photo's. Enjoy!

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1150759605085944142006-06-19T16:26:00.000-07:002006-06-19T16:42:52.970-07:00

Of Sunshine and Surprises!After a lovely walk in the sun, I arrived home to find the most amazing gift on my front porch. Stunningly beautiful and luscious too, this surprise is one I want to share with everyone!Okay, I know it is a cliche', however there is truth here. A picture is worth a thousand words. Just look at this edible bouquet.My thoughtful and classy freinds, Lauren & Rion, sent this

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1149567457588597382006-06-05T21:17:00.000-07:002006-06-05T21:55:59.853-07:00

Scarface Claw: The Cat Living at the GardenYesterday, I tended my garden. I weeded out quick grass, calendulas and other unwanted plants taking root in my p-patch. I also planted four tomato plants, two zucchini plants and six cucumber plants. My raspberries are thriving, with berries galore.The highlight of my time at the garden happened when Scarface Claw sidled up to me. I tried to get a

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1148615951738310162006-05-25T20:42:00.000-07:002006-05-25T21:39:08.870-07:00

French Candy: Nougat Provence StyleNougat is a candy made with sugar, or honey, egg whites, almonds and waterI have been testing various recipes. I have tried three different recipes. For the first two trials, I sweetened the candy with lavender sugar. The result is a pleasing with a very subtle taste of lavender. In the third test, I used lavender syrup along with lavender sugar to flavor the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1146414128211978342006-04-30T09:22:00.000-07:002006-04-30T11:01:23.506-07:00

Discover LavenderApril is rapidly coming to a close. I have been so busy writing, cooking and gardening (also playing golf weekly), I have been somewhat sporadic in posting to my blog.You must check out www.gildedfork.com. This site not only put lavender in the spotlight in April, the editor featured my article describing why I love lavender.This site is a new discovery for me and I love it. I

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1143010894939148292006-03-21T22:38:00.000-08:002006-03-22T11:14:06.900-08:00

This Appetizer Wins a Blue RibbonBlue Cheese topped with lavender honey on a cracker makes a delicious appetizer. My favorite blue cheese is an artisan cheese produced by The Rogue River Creamery. The strong and pungent taste of the cheese is enhanced by a dollop of lavender honey. My favorite lavender honey comes from the Olympic Lavender Farm located in Sequim, Washington.I discovered the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1142900467479824152006-03-20T16:21:00.000-08:002006-03-21T22:27:51.253-08:00

PEARS PAIR PERFECTLY WITH LAVENDERIn the mood for a fast and delicious dessert? Looking for something fat-free? Then you must try this one. I made it in less than 15 minutes. My kitchen is filled with the most wonderful fruity, floral fragrance. Trust me whether you are preparing a simple family meal or a feast with company, this dessert will be enjoyed by everyone.Lavender Poached PearsPears

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1142837415529402212006-03-19T22:36:00.000-08:002006-03-21T22:37:23.216-08:00

Strawberries sweetened with lavender sugar and topped with a mixture of Greek yogurt and creme fraiche is a fantastic way to announce that spring is nearby.Simple, elegant, fresh and delicious, this recipe is one you will use over and over again.Enjoy!STRAWBERRIES WITH LAVENDER YOGURT CREAM1 pound fresh strawberries, rinsed, stemmed and cut lengthwise into 8ths1 tablespoon lavender sugar1

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1142697862028192502006-03-18T08:04:00.000-08:002006-03-21T22:30:05.400-08:00

This morning I am grateful for my hands. They are incredibly useful, helpful and busy. Whether they are keying in letters on my computer, digging a small hole with a trowel or scratching an itch, my hands are necessary for all kinds of things.I am taking excellent care of my hands. Beeswax cream is soothing, luxuriant. My hands love it. The cream adds moisture back that is lost due to hot water,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1142300195911113442006-03-13T17:36:00.000-08:002006-03-21T22:37:49.263-08:00

The Lavender FairyLavender has its very own fairy. The charming illustration was created by Cicely Mary Barker in 1923. The little fairy is standing barefoot on a lavender bush. Her arms reach up as she steadies herself by holding on to a spike of purple flowers. Dressed in a purple dress, the fairy has wings. Butterflies seems to dance around the flowers.Check out this illustration at this

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23705371.post-1141877594320434652006-03-08T20:13:00.000-08:002006-03-21T22:33:15.553-08:00

Several days ago, I wrote about the cat at my garden. I don't think I mentioned that my garden is a community garden, better known here in Seattle, as a P-Patch. This big black cat seems to live in the garden. I am suspecting this is a male cat. He struts and swaggers around the garden like he owns the place. He looks mangy, his fur is thick and uneven. He has a wild look, scruffy and shabby. I

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11382014052942636581noreply@blogger.com0