VDOT Trash Picker Upper, Roses for Potpourri, and Seek Lavender Strawberry Pie!

We wanted to let you know of a few habits that are still alive and well! How do we know? Seek Lavender has adopted Bradford Rd - we are VDOT's trash picker upper of one of Culpeper's lovely country roads. Friday was our inaugural run (definitely no pun intended). First habit alive and well....vaping has NOT replaced cigarettes or 'Chew'. Big Red is still a favorite. So thankful for vaping, however, as if this was the '70, we would have crawled Bradford Rd dragging our orange bags instead of enjoying the gorgeous May morning on this scenic road. Next, the love of mini's, also known as nips and shooters, had not faded from popular use. Lastly, gloves, with socks as a close second, are the preferred type of clothing to be thrown from vehicle windows!

Favorite culinary use of lavender of the month; Seek Lavender Strawberry Pie. Added here is a recipe. Should have crust, strawberry filling and whipped cream family favorites already, they are easy to convert. For sugar, use Seek Lavender sugar (especially delicious in both the crust and the whipped cream). Swap the vanilla with Seek Lavender Extract in the whipped cream (delightful for all whipped cream uses actually).

INGREDIENTS

1 baked pie crust (if making yourself, swap sugar with Seek Lavender Sugar)

8 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled

3/4 cup Seek Lavender Sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup water

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons Seek Lavender sugar

1/2 teaspoon Seek Lavender Extract

Puree 1 cup of the strawberries in a food processor or by mashing thoroughly with a fork.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Seek Lavender Sugar and cornstarch, then add the water and strawberry puree. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 more minutes, until the strawberry mixture turns thick and translucent. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, cut any larger strawberries in halves or even fourths and place in a large bowl. Add the glaze and gently fold with a spatula until the berries are evenly coated. Fill the cooled pie crust. Chill for 2 hours until set.

Prepare the whipped cream by beating the cream, Seek Lavender Sugar, and Seek Lavender Extract with an electric mixer until smooth, thick, and nearly doubled in volume, forming soft peaks. Serve the pie with the fresh whipped cream within 5 hours of chilling for the best results.

Seek Lavender grows and dries these beauties (roses) for potpourri gourd bowls!

Hope to see you soon at The Little House at Seek Lavender.

Lavender Love,

Neil & Mary