Provence Lavender Cordial-Syrup

An exquisite blend of lavender flowers and herbes de Provence makes for a pleasant, refreshing cordial--perfect for a summer's day! Stir into lemonade, teas, ice-water, champagne or cocktails, -or- drizzle on pound cake, waffles, pastries, puddings or fruit. Lovely! I like to make this in the early summertime, when the lavender flowers are still fresh! Try it in my Provence Lavender Cocktail, or whisk a few spoonfuls into whipped cream, or thicken with powdered sugar for a glaze. Makes a beautiful hostess or Christmas gift, tied with a pretty lavender ribbon!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 14
• Yields: 1 1/2 cups of Syrup

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1⁄2 cup  fresh organic edible  lavender flowers (or 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers)
• 1  tablespoon  herbes de provence (optional)
• 1  small fresh lemon, juice of

Directions

1. Heat sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
3. Add the lavender flowers (and the herbes de Provence, if using).
4. Cover, and let flowers steep for 30-45 minutes.
5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or paper coffee filter into a measuring glass (with a lip for easy pouring).
6. Add lemon juice.
7. Pour into a clean container (preferably sterilized), cap, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze.
8. Note: the syrup will not freeze solid-- you will be able to scoop out a spoonful easily!
9. Stir a spoonful of Lavender Syrup into your favorite beverage! It's delicious in lemonade, tea or ice-water. Try it in my Provence Cocktail, recipe # 250030. OR, drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast, scones, fruit, puddings, cakes or ice cream. Thicken with confectioner's sugar to make an exquisite glaze for cookies or cakes.
10. Makes a beautiful hostess gift tied with a pretty ribbon!