So Succulent Gardens

Lavender simple syrup
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup lavender flower buds
Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar until sugar is disolved.
Add 1/4 cup of lavender flowers and allow to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
If desired, add a few blueberries for color or use food coloring.
Drain syrup into a sealable glass jar - through a filter in order to remove the flowers. Let it cool, and then put in the fridge.
Add syrup to tea, cocktails, or use as a syrup.

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This is another interesting homemade item to add to you lavender gift basket. 

Lavender Laundry Softener

• 32 oz. white vinegar
• 32 oz. baking soda
• 64 oz. distilled or purified water
• ½ oz. lavender essential oil.

Mix the baking soda into the vinegar over a sink
or other contained area, in a large plastic jar. The two materials, when mixed together, will cause a "fizzing" reaction. Add water and essential oil and stir again. *As gifts, dispense into plastic bottles and label with the following directions: Use 1/4 cup per load. Add in rinse cycle.

I am making this today to have on hand for the holidays, it will last up to a year.   I will be posting recipes in the near future that uses lavender sugar since some folks are shy about eating buds....  

LAVENDER SUGAR
Ingredients
3.5 cups sugar 
4 tablespoons lavender flowers

I alternate the lavender in the jar and after about a month
you can pass it through a strainer to remove the buds or leave them in.

Strain it for things like whipped cream, cream brulee or sprinkling on berries,
But you can leave the buds in if cooking the sugar for example cookies.
You can also toss the sugar with buds in a food processor to grind it up a bit before using.

Stored in a dark place, mix well again and use as needed. The sugar is good to use for up to one year.

You can substitute confectioner’s sugar rather than granulated sugar. Use in icings and dustings.
Give as Gifts:
Once the lavender sugar is ready to be used, you can pour in decorative glass jars and give as gifts.
Attach cards giving ideas for use as well as provide the recipe is a nice touch, I have many lots and lots of lavender recipes post on my website located at www.blossomfarm.com/recipes_lavender.htm