Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad, for Dessert

So many people are stuck inside this week with the catastrophic snow storms that has hit across the country.  I wanted to bring you all a little sunshine from California with a delicious Citrus Fruit Salad.  Most supermarkets carry citrus fruits year round. I hope you can make it to the store soon so you can bring a little sunshine home with you and make this salad.  It is really a refreshing, light, dessert. Enjoy!

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad
(recipes makes 4 servings)

¼ cup sugar (I used turbinado raw sugar)

½ cup water

1 star anise

3 whole cloves

3 whole allspice

⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Lavender leaves and flowers (optional)

3 cups assorted citrus fruit (I used pink grapefruit, grapefruit and navel oranges)

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Add the star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, dried red pepper flakes and lavender leaves if available.  Boil for 2 minutes, watching carefully so as not to burn.  Remove from heat and let cool.

Peel the citrus fruit, removing all the pith and seeds.  Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a glass bowl; pour spiced syrup over all, stir to mix. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours.  Serve in a clear bowl to show off the pretty colors.  Garnish with fresh lavender flowers.

I served mine on a pretty butterfly plate that was a gift from a friend. Wishing for spring to come soon so I can make this again when the butterflies arrive.

Nutritional information provided by NutriMirror.com



Afternoon Tea on the Patio for One

It was another warm, sunny day today. I had worked in the garden for several hours and was in need of a rest. I decided to make some toast and jam with a cup of hot tea.  I had made a promise to myself at the new year to always take a few minutes to make my table attractive, no matter how small my meal would be or how many people would be at my table. 

I brought out one of my white linen tablecloths  and napkins.






A treasured cup and saucer from a dear friend

Roses and lavender from the garden in an old vase

I sliced a couple of pieces of whole grain bread, topped it with some cream cheese and current jam; put the kettle on the stove while I picked some lavender and bergamot mint for the tea.

A Perfect Cup of Tea,

and a Perfect Ending to a Beautiful Day!

1½ ounces of Trader Joe's Artisan Whole Grain Bread (with millet, sunflower, barley, rye, triticale, oats, flax, rice and soybeans) 1½ teaspoons of Cream Cheese, 2 Tablespoons Currant Jam.

Nutritional Information Provided by NutriMirror