FRESH LAVENDER SPRIGS RECIPES

Steps:

• Take the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before you intend to cook them because otherwise the center of the steaks will be ice cold . Then pour a good splash of olive oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the black peppercorns and a generous sprinkle of coarse salt. Place the pan over high heat until hot. Then add the steaks to the pan.
• Quickly sear the steaks on all sides for a couple of minutes. Cook them the way you like your steak best. Mine are rare to medium-rare.
• Once cooked, take the pan off the heat and then transfer the steaks to a clean plate. Cover with some tinfoil and let the steaks rest for now. Place the same hot pan back over medium heat-high heat now (no need to wipe it clean) and pour in the red wine vinegar.
• Stir and add the water.
• Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for a couple of minutes until it has reduced by half. Then add the fresh lavender leaves.
• Stir well and turn the low now. Simmer the sauce for a minute. Check the seasoning and add extra pepper or salt to taste if necessary. Then add the cooked steaks back to the pan for 2 more minutes. Drizzle them with the sauce.
• Transfer the steaks onto clean and warm plates. Top with the lavender sauce and extra purple lavender flowers. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Step 1: Mix 3 tablespoons sparkling sugar, 1 teaspoon dried lavender and 1 teaspoon minced fresh lavender or mint leaves in a small shallow dish. Dip the rim of a fluted glass in water, then dip into the sugar mixture to coat the rim. Let stand.
• Step 1: Mix 3/4 cups simple syrup, 3/4 cups lemon juice, 1-1 ¼ cups rum, 2 lavender sprigs (or oil drops) and 2 cups water in a pitcher. Refrigerate covered until very cold, at least 2 hours.
• Step 2: To serve, stir rum mixture. Fill prepared glasses ½ full with rum mixture. Fill the glass to the rim with sparkling wine. Serve right away.