Yay for Friday! School is out for summer in many parts of the country but here in NOVA we are still counting down the days … 14 to be exact. So, while we continue to rise early in the morning for school (and you sleep in and eat bonbons), you will find me sipping on a London Fog made with this lavender and vanilla bean Infused Simple Syrup.

A cup of Earl Grey is always a treat, but when you add a dash of cream or froth, and this simple syrup, you have yourself a masterpiece in a cup. This syrup lives up to it’s name; it’s quick to make and keeps well in the refrigerator. No need for sugar cubes or flavored creamers when you have this on hand.

Pour equal parts (1 cup) granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan.

Add one teaspoon lavender. Bring to boil and then lower heat to medium-low. Simmer for five minutes.

Remove from heat and strain lavender out of the syrup using a fine mesh sieve.

Allow syrup to cool. NOTE: There may be some small lavender particles in the syrup, this is normal.

Pour in a sanitized bottle or jar. I found this pretty little oil dispenser at World Market. Enjoy with a cup of tea. Add whole vanilla bean and store in the refrigerator for up-to two weeks.

Lavender and Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

Prep time: 10 minutes / Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lavender, culinary grade
1 whole vanilla bean

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, pour in water and sugar, bring to a boil.
2. Add lavender, reduce heat to medium-low and allow syrup to simmer and thicken for five minutes.
3. Remove from heat and strain lavender in a bowl using a fine mesh sieve.
4. Allow syrup to cool completely.
5. Pour syrup into a sanitized glass bottle or jar with lid for storing.
6. Add whole vanilla bean.
7. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Enjoy this simple syrup with your favorite tea, I recommend my London Fog.

This syrup will keep for up-to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Hydrangeas

Since it’s Friday, I thought I’d have a little fun by sharing with you some images from my flower garden. We bought the house we are living in this past winter and I had no idea what color the hydrangeas would be. Truthfully, it really didn’t matter considering they are one of my favorite flower and I was elated that they were growing in my yard! (Remember, I am from the Southwest, not the best climate for these pretties). It was a delightful surprise when they began budding a few weeks ago, and now they are displaying their beautiful colors, including white with colorful tips, which is my favorite.

I love the two-tone colors on this mophead bloom. Did you know that hydrangea plants can change the colors of their blooms? It all depends on the pH in the soil. So, although they are blue and white this year, they might surprise me with a new color in the years to come.

More home and garden posts to come my friends. Enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to try the recipe for my Infused Simple Syrup with my recommended London Fog.