Lavender lemonade

One of my favorite beverages is this lavender lemonade. It has only a few calories per glass (from the lemon juice) and has no artifical sweetners!

I picked fresh lavender buds from my best friend Nan's yard, organically grown, of course. Then, I made a simple syrup with Truvia granules and water. When it boiled I added the lavender buds and steeped for around seven minutes. I then strained out the buds and added the simple syrup to lemon juice (I hand squeezed them with a very efficient lemon/lime sqeezer from Williams-Sonoma). I added ice and filtered water to taste. To add a little flourish, I put some of the buds back in the pitcher.

Isn't it beautiful? Can you believe those purple buds make that luscious pink color? And I can't keep my eyes off those buds swirling around in the pitcher.

If you want to create a highly unique and spa/resort-type beverage, this is a sure winner.

Cauliflower soup with roasted spices

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged. My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has reared its head and my creative juices stop flowing when that happens.

But today I took two naps, did yoga and had a pedicure, and that winning combination gave me the unction to put on beautiful classical music and cook. I feel so alive when I can do something that is true to my core.

I made this soup with golden cauliflower, chicken stock, milk, fresh grated ginger and an assortment of whole spices that I roasted and then ground in a coffee grinder. They are: cardamom, cumin, coriander and then turmeric powder.

I put the cooked cauliflower along with all ingredients in my food processor. Then, I heated it up to marry the spices and then cooled it in the frig for a refreshing but spicy summer soup.

Bon apetite!!