Salt and Lavender Recipes: A Sensory Delight
Lavender, with its calming aroma and beautiful purple hues, paired with the versatile nature of salt, creates a magical combination for culinary and beauty uses. This post explores delightful recipes that blend these two ingredients, offering a sensory experience that's both relaxing and invigorating.
Culinary Delights with Salt and Lavender
Lavender's floral notes add an unexpected twist to savory and sweet dishes. However, it's crucial to use culinary lavender, not the kind intended for aromatherapy, as the latter can be toxic when ingested. A little goes a long way, so start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.
Lavender Shortbread Cookies:
These delicate cookies offer a sophisticated balance of sweet and floral.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
Instructions:
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the ground lavender.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Lavender-Infused Sea Salt:
This beautiful and aromatic salt is perfect for finishing dishes or creating your own custom blends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coarse sea salt
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions:
- Combine the salt and lavender buds in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake well to distribute the lavender evenly.
- Let it sit for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally, to allow the salt to absorb the lavender's flavor and aroma.
- Once infused, sift out the lavender buds (or leave them in for a more rustic look) and store in an airtight container.
Pampering Your Senses: Salt and Lavender for Beauty
The calming properties of lavender combined with the exfoliating power of salt create luxurious body scrubs and bath soaks.
Lavender Salt Scrub:
This scrub gently exfoliates and leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling divine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sea salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the sea salt, coconut oil, and dried lavender in a bowl.
- If using, add the lavender essential oil.
- Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use in the shower or bath, gently massaging onto your skin in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
Lavender Bath Soak:
Create a spa-like experience at home with this soothing bath soak.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- ½ cup sea salt
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a jar or container.
- Add a generous amount to a warm bath and enjoy the relaxing aroma.
By incorporating these salt and lavender recipes into your routine, you can elevate your culinary experiences and create a spa-like atmosphere at home. Remember to use culinary-grade lavender for consumption and always perform a patch test for any skincare recipes before widespread application. Enjoy the sensory journey!
