LAVENDER & APPLE CULINARY DELIGHTS

Fall is such a beautiful time of year.. changing of the seasons...a transitional period from the huzzle buzzle of summer activites to a more mellow time of unwinding and enjoying the magnificent color changing of leaves, cooler temps and the abundance of fall harvests. What a wonderful opportunity to combine the delectable tastes of homegrown apples and homegrown lavender.

FAVORITE RECIPES

APPLE LAVENDER JELLY: Makes 5 8oz jars

3 c. water. 1/2c. dried lavender. 3/4 c. 100 percent apple juice. 4c sugar 1 box pectin

In large saucepan, bring water to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in dried lavender. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Strain mixture into deep kettle and discard lavender particles. To the lavender infusion add lemon juice and pectin. Stir until pectin is dissolved.

Over high heat, bring mixture to a boil while adding sugar. Stir while jelly returns to a hard rolling boil (cannot be stirred down) and boil 2-4 minutes. Stir occasionally. TO TEST JELLY THICKNESS coat a tablespoon with jelly and turn on its side. When two drops come together as one and "stick" jelly is done. If more thickness needed, add and additional 1 t. pectin and boil again for 1 minute.

After desired consistency achieved, transfer jelly into hot sterilized jars. Fill within 1/4 inch of top. Wipe away any spillage on rim and seal with lid and ring. Can be water processed if desired. Best to let "cure" at least a week before serving. NOTE: jelly that is not water bath processed requires refrigeration. Water bathed jelly has shelf life of 1 yr.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 2c. freshly diced apples with 1/2 c. sugar and 1 tsp lemon juice. Set aside until oven it heated to correct temperature.

DUMP into a 13in x 10in x 2in baking dish: 16 oz drained crushed pineapple, one package yellow or white cake mix, apple mixture, 1c. melted butter combined with 1 tsp ground lavender and 1c chopped walnuts.

GENTLY SWIRL WITH FORK--DO NOT THOROUGHLY MIX!! Bake 35-40 min or until brown on top. Serve with warm carmel sauce, whipped cream or ice cream

.

NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT BUT EASY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON? TRY THIS SCRUMPTIOUS RECIPE!!

1 8 oz. softened cream cheese. 1/4 c. fancy shredded cheese. 1 tsp. ground lavender. 3-4 Tbsp. applesauce. 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. 1 Tbsp. lavender lemon pepper.

Combine ingredients. Beat until smooth. Serve with crackers, flatbreads, pretzels or muffins.

Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Shelf life 4 wk.