lavender simple syrup

several weeks ago, i had my first taste of a lavender iced latte... and my life has now been forever changed.  i knew the minute i took my first sip, that i would need to figure out a way to make these at home.  lucky for me, i still have pounds of culinary lavender in my pantry leftover from our wedding (in hindsight a birdseed toss may have been a better idea)!

this lavender simple syrup is super easy to make, and makes the most delicious lavender iced lattes (full recipe for that coming soon!!).  it's equally as delicious drizzled over desserts or pancakes, you can mix it in with a glass of lemonade, or you can add it into a cocktail for a yummy twist (lavender french 75, anyone)?  you can even bottle it up and give it to friends as a last-minute homemade christmas gift!

ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp culinary lavender

bring the 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.  add the sugar.

add the lavender and reduce heat to a simmer.

simmer for five minutes and continue to stir.

allow the mixture to cool.  strain out the lavender.

pour into pretty bottle.

voilà!

be sure to comment below with your ideas for different recipes using lavender simple syrup!

nutella latte

i had my first nutella latte probably about seven years ago at the iconic cafe bonaparte in georgetown.  it was love at first sip!  since that time, i've been obsessed with this drink, and have always been on the lookout anytime i go to a big city with fancy brunch situations.  i've had an espresso maker for years, and have never tried making one of my own... crazy, i know!  well friends, today was the day (there's no better excuse than being "snowed in" to finally tackle what one once thought was impossible)!  i'm almost embarrassed to say that it was super easy to make.  here's the step-by-step:

 smear a spoonful (or two) of nutella along the bottom and sides of your mug

 brew your espresso

pour the hot espresso into the mug

steam some milk

add the steamed milk to your mug* (a typical latte has an espresso/milk ratio of 1:3) and top with some of the foamed milk!  i sprinkled the top with a little cocoa (maybe one day i'll figure out how to make those fancy designs in the foam... but that might call for another snow day).  

*tip from a friend:  you can microwave some extra nutella for about 30 seconds and add to your steamed milk for a little extra nutella goodness!