My first International Incident Party! Yayy!! iip for short, is hosted by Penny from Jeroxie.com. This monthly event attracts global participation!!
The theme for the month of October was to be Lavender!… Thank Goodness I’d bought some dried culinary (edible) lavender flowers from Prahran Market a few weeks ago, in my attempt at making macarons (failed, we shall no longer speak about it…
 |
| Lavender Sorbet with Strawberry Drops |
What I decided to make instead, for this months iip party, is Lavender Sorbet (there aren’t many Lavender recipe’s sitting out there that doesn’t invoke thoughts about hand creams and soap… hence why I decided against my initial plan for a Lavender Panna Cotta…
For this sorbet recipe, I used an ice-cream maker machine (I guess you could do it the hard way of freezing the liquid and waiting for it to chill and then take it back out and break it with a fork/ice-pick/food processor/blender and then freeze it again)…
 |
| The crucial ingredients |
 |
| Dissolving sugar |
In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, combine sugar and water and heat up until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Once the consistency of the liquid is clear, add in the lavender flowers and turn to medium heat.
 |
| When it is boiling as such, change to low heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes |
Let the flower infuse into the syrup. Once it starts boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Pour the lavender liquid into a clean bowl (sieving out the flowers), add in the lemon juice and vodka. Make sure to stir and combine it thoroughly.
TRIVIA: Can you guess why Vodka is being used?
 |
| Lavender syrup, lemon juice, red and blue colouring |
Because the the lavender syrup is a completely colourless liquid, I decided to use some colouring. I mixed red and blue colouring to achieve a nice vibrant purple (not too bright)… I used less than half a teaspoon of each to do this (I didn’t measure, but I would estimate 3 drops of red and 3 drops of blue).
Once the lavender syrup has cooled down, cover the bowl with some cling wrap and chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours (more if you like)…
 |
| Lavender Sorbet in the making |
 |
| Plated by the Boy |
Serve with fresh fruit (I have strawberry drops here) and fresh lavender flowers from the garden…
Extremely fun and easy, a definite hit with kids and parties!!! I do hope you enjoy it!
Do visit the other blogs listed below on their fun International Incident Lavender Party recipes
So fun- I guess vodka bc it doesn't freeze- your presentation is perfect!
Mmm, lavender sorbet… nice and refreshing!
I'm guessing the vodka will partly change the way it freezes, and also help the aromas because it's very volatile?
Ren & Anonymous: You are right, the vodka stopes the sorbet from completely freezing!
Leaf: It is very refreshing.. perfect for Spring!
Looks so good! Oh I totally did not guess the correct reason for using vodka… I just thought it will add more happiness to the party 😉
And you can do it too!! Make macarons, I mean! I failed at it too, so if I can do it, you can too! I'm trying to write a guide for everyone because I've felt like an utter failure too, but once you get it, you get it! I'm happy to help if you like!! 🙂
Honey: Really? I feel like such a loser 🙁 HELP ME PLEASE! Lols…
Love your sorbet. I have done lavender ice cream in the past so this must be delicious. And yes, like the other said, alcohol prevents full crystalization of the water particles. So does a lemon and lime juice.
This looks wonderful for spring / summer parties! That purple hue is gorgeous and now you have me wanting an ice cream machine…
I-Hua, your lavender sorbet looks so cooling, or rather… calming. And the Boy did well with the beautiful plating! Well done on your first IIP, hope to see you again at the party in future!
I absolutely love the colour of your lavender sorbet! Hm… I am sure it tastes wonderful.
Evelyne: Thank you! You are right with the vodka theory =)
R&H: Get one! The ice-cream maker is soooo fun!
Foodiva: Thank you! Definitely joining up on the others for the rest of the year =)
Ellie: Thanks! I didn't actually know how the purple was going to turn up.. so it was a pleasant surprise!
Fantastic job! I love lavender recipes and Im so glad that there are some new ones. yours looks really good!
Ooh sorbet~ yum yum! Love learning something new 🙂
I love lavender and your sorbet looks delish!
Good choice on the sorbet, it sounds like a party in the mouth with vodka 😉
Lorraine: Thanks!
Judy: It was really fun to make (and easy too!)
Chanel: Thank you 🙂
Emma: There really wasn't much vodka taste at all (2 tablespoons, it needs more than that!)
Clever idea! And such pretty presentation.
Excellent summer recipe, and I think the coldness would help in making the lavender flavour not too overpowering, if that makes any sense? And hey, if it were too overpowering you could just slug in a few more tablespoons of vodka to your bowl 😀
Your sorbet looks refreshing and a lovely presentation. What are strawberry drops?
welcome to the party! I love the colour of your sorbet
Ju: Thank you Ms Teow Chew =)
Conor: It does make sense.. VODKA WuHOOO!
Caroline: Strawberry drops is something the Boy made up… it's sort of a blended strawberry jelly
Cherrie: THANK YOU!!
Does anyone know where I can buy edible lavender? I live in Melbourne.
Am dying to make some lavender ice cream.
Thanks nickim
nickim: You can get it from Essential Ingredients at Prahran Market, that's where I got mine 🙂