Lavender Honey Loaf Food

LAVENDER TEA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
• Combine the milk and lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a simmer, then remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until the mixture is light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk and lavender until just blended. Pour into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a wooden pick inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

LAVENDER HONEY LOAF

Steps:

• Combine 1 teaspoon water and egg a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Reserve 1 tablespoon egg mixture.
• Dissolve honey and yeast in warm water in a large bowl, let stand 5 minutes.
• Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 2 cups remaining egg mixture, lavender, butter and salt to yeast mixture, stir well. Stir in 3 cups flour to form a stiff dough.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly flour surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes), add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
• Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into the dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)
• Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.
• Divide in half. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), roll each portion into a 12-inch rope on a floured surface. Twist ropes together, pinching ends to seal. Place the dough in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
• WHEN READY TO BAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Uncover dough. Gently brush the reserved egg mixture over loaf.
• Bake loaf at 375 for 35 minutes or until browned on bottom and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove loaf from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.
• To freeze for up to 1 month:.
• Place in an airtight container, or wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap or foil. Unwrap the loaf, and thaw at room temperature 2 hours before serving.

HOMEMADE LAVENDER HONEY

Steps:

• Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lavender. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
• Warm the honey again over low heat until it is liquid enough to pour freely. Strain through a wire sieve (I place a clean paper coffee filter inside the mesh strainer), into a clean jar. Cool and cover.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Serve at room temperature.