Dear Lynne,

Lavender is taking over the yard. I cook with it but need some inspiration.  

–Arthur in Tennessee 

Dear Arthur, 

How lucky you are. I could only dream of such an infestation!

How about trying grown-up Jell-O scented with lavender? Pour about 2-1/4 cups white wine in a saucepan. Add sugar to taste and 2 heaping tablespoons lavender flowers (which haven’t been sprayed). Simmer until clear. Meanwhile, soak an envelope of unflavored gelatin in 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir and dissolve in the hot wine. Set the pan aside, covered, for 20 minutes.

Strain the liquid into an 8-inch square pan and chill. Cut into cubes. 

Pile in glasses, top with whipped cream and dust with lavender flowers, or spoon onto peaches or over ice cream, always finishing with lavender.

-Lynne

Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Lynne Rossetto Kasper has won numerous awards as host of The Splendid Table, including two James Beard Foundation Awards (1998, 2008) for Best National Radio Show on Food, five Clarion Awards (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014) from Women in Communication, and a Gracie Allen Award in 2000 for Best Syndicated Talk Show.