Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Lavendar everywhere!

 

SERIOUSLY...have you ever seen a more beautiful place? Just about 40 minutes south of us, and still in full swing for a few more weekends - Inglewood Lavendar Farm.  I have never been to Provence, but as most readers know from many literary descriptions, during the lavendar season, the air all around you is perfumed with the calming scent of lavendar.  It's like this here now - at this magical farm.  Their farm store is a delight - there is nothing to compare to the scent of essential lavendar oil...and nothing is spared here - the products are fantastic!  

Lately, I have been harvesting our own lavendar for Lemon-Lavendar Crepes, with Caromont goat cheese...so yummy.  It's simple to infuse pretty much any syrup with the delicate flavor of summer - just let a small sprig steep in the hot syrup for a while - the longer you leave it and the bigger the sprig, obviously the stronger the taste!  Lemon is a natural paring, but my favorite local jam maker did a delicious strawberry-lavendar jam this spring, which has inspired me to try Peach Lavendar...off again this weekend to Carter Mountain to pick peaches, then home to cook and can.  Guests this winter can look forward to the tastes of summer, even in front of a warm fire! 

Friday, June 22, 2012

Perfect Summer start!

The fabulous view at Bel Air - site of the Sunday night Hill & Holler Farm dinner!  Can't wait - the food at these events has been spectacular, topped perhaps only by the delightful people I have met.  One person, Daniel, is an inspiration for my canning this week...beach plum, fig and rosemary sauce.  His jams, http://accordingtodaniel.com/jam/ are legendary in Charlottesville, and available at the Farmer's Market or our favourite shop Feast! (I think the exclamation point is actually part of their logo...and if you shop there, you will understand why.)  I will be attempting a peach & lavendar preserve this week, and who knows what else?  Such fun! 

The wedding last weekend of Amy & Adam also was an inspiration - Amy spent hours making all sorts of delicious jams, conserves and jellies for her wedding guests, pickles of all sorts graced their reception buffet - all made by her.  What a treat for her guests, and I was so grateful for the gift she left for me - a beautiful selection of her sparkling cookery. 

So - pickles this weekend, jam this week, and maybe continuing through the summer...come see what we serve up for breakfast!  And if you are lucky enough to be around for a Hill & Holler dinner event (check out their website for upcoming dates) let us know and we will get you tickets.

what a happy start to summer!