Vanilla bean-lavender poached apples...

I don't blog nearly as often as I should, so I'm making some changes in an effort to make this an active blog, rather than just a "when I remember I actually have a blog" type of blog. I'm going to be posting the occasional recipe, photo, studio shot, post about another designer/shop I admire, etc...and of course LAINE news as well.

So I'll start off my new blogging resolution with a photo or two and a recipe...



Vanilla bean-lavender Poached Apples
2 small apples - peeled, cored and cut into wedges
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean - split & scraped (or 1 scant tbs vanilla extract)
Lavender sugar*

Add water, sugar and vanilla bean to a pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat just a bit and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, add the apples and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the apples are softened. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lavender sugar. This is excellent over pound cake (as seen above) and with yogurt or ice cream.



*to make your own lavender sugar just mix 2 tbs lavender flowers with 1 cup sugar and a vanilla bean (optional), store in an air-tight container for about 2 weeks before using, shaking occasionally.