Lavender Fields

Long hailed for supplying aromatic bliss, this old-world herb is far from being old-fashioned. In fact, the use of lavender is becoming increasingly versatile. We’re turning to the craft of drying flowers to introduce the calming energy of lavender into your life.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark | Styling by Taylor Bennett

Lavender Tea Cookies

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon finely ground Earl Grey tea (from 3 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea)
½ teaspoon culinary-grade lavender, finely ground
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt|
1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a mixer, add sugar and butter on medium speed and beat until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add egg and vanilla. Next, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, making sure to scrape the bowl. 

Use a cookie dough scoop to portion the cookie dough into balls. Place the cookies at least 3 inches apart on sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tops of the dough balls with the remaining 2 Tablespoons of sugar for garnish before baking.

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still gooey. Cool them on a wire rack. 

Adapted from hummingbirdhigh.com

How to Store Dried Lavender

After the lavender has finished drying, one option is to leave the flower buds intact on the long stem, ideal for displaying dried bouquets or to use in dry floral arrangements. Otherwise, snip or strip the flower bud portion off of the stem and store it in an airtight glass container for maximum freshness, flavor, and aroma. Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry location. 

HOW TO MAKE LAVENDER TEA

If using an electric teapot, boil water to a temperature of 208 degrees. Put 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender tea in the water and steep for five minutes. Strain lavender buds and pour into tea cup of choice.