Cheers

WITH LINDA ARCEO

Good to Know

Culinary-grade lavender can easily be found online. Try culinary lavender in place of rosemary in your cooking, grilling or baking. Tastes fantastic in dressings, cookies, mocktails, lemonade, desserts, rubs and as a garnish. Make a relaxing Lavender Latte for Mom by adding lavender simple syrup to your favorite hot or cold coffee or tea.

Follow Linda Arceo on Twitter and Instagram @giggobgulp and online at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

Serves 2

4 oz. vodka 2 oz. lavender simple syrup (see recipe below) 2 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier liqueur (or Triple Sec) Lemon slice for garnish Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice and Grand Marnier. Shake Well. Strain into martini glass and garnish with a lemon slice.

Lavender Simple Syrup

4 cups water 4 cups culinary-grade dried lavender 4 cups of sugar 4-5 frozen blueberries for color (optional) Boil water, culinary-grade dried lavender, sugar and blueberries (optional) in a large pot. Bring to a full boil while steadily mixing. Lower temperature to a simmer for about 10 minutes or until mixture slightly thickens. Allow to steep for 1 hour to fully infuse flavor. Strain through a mesh sieve and pour into an airtight bottle or jar. Place syrup in the refrigerator to cool. (Note: To make a smaller batch, follow the same directions but cut ingredients by half)