I didn’t go visiting the famous lavender fields when I went to Norfolk but I did buy a lavender plant and some lavender honey, oh and I did mange to get this shot of Murphy playing camouflage behind the huge lavender bush in our holiday cottage.
I had a huge glut of apples sitting in my fruit bowl and apple with lavender is a match made in Heaven. I decided to use this recipe for an apple tart but instead of buying ready made pastry I made my own. This is the point at which I must make it clear, patience is a virtue … if you don’t wait for the pastry to chill properly you end up with apple crisp! The pastry doesn’t rise but forms a crisp disc, very delicious all the same but not exactly apple tart.
I used eating apples as I hadn’t any Bramley apples, but they worked a treat. The best bit however was the layer of apple puree, so very delicious, in fact next time I will double the quantity of it.
The lavender honey cream was so light and refreshing, perfect against the tartness of the apples. People often assume that using lavender will make the dish taste soapy and overly perfumed but used sparingly it lends a gentle sweetness, a taste of summer.
I was having a glance through David Loftus’ website and came across a fabulous photo of an apple, so I thought I might try the same idea out myself; what do you think?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
That looks wonderful George.
Oh, your apple tarte look so beautiful!
I love lavender in my cooking, not just for the sweet dessert, but also for savory dishes. have you tried this spice called “rash el hanout” it has lavender in it. it is a delicious spice for lamb, or anything savory dish you like.
Wait, is that your doggie behind the lavender?
Your apple tart looks so good. I like the idea of spreading a little apple sauce. YUM!
A post full of lovely pictures; of your dog + lavender, and then the final peeled apple one (which I do think really worked)! I like the idea of the apple tart and lavender combination – sounds great
I adore lavender so much. I have never paired it with apple. I will have to give that a try. I love the look of your pastry, too. Homemade is so much better, isn’t it?
Great site and great posts…Lavender and apples who would have known. I’m curious about the taste.
I am going to pair apples and lavender next time I bake an apple pie. Great idea! Your pie looks great!
I love the new look of the site George! The lavender fields in Norfolk are spectacular to visit, sorry you missed them. What a great combo apples and lavender and your tart looks delish YUM!
George, I came over to look for the recipe for that apple tart – it looks delicious. I love the idea of the layer of pureed apple too.
Thank you Teresa.
Elra yes that is Murphy my Irish Setter hiding in the lavender
I love using lavender in savoury dishes too, have you tried Nigella Lawson’s St. Tropez Chicken? Ras el Hannout is one of my favourite spice blends … you only have to do a quick search here on the blog to find a good few recipes with it.
Thank you. It was the apple sauce that really improved this dish.
Thank you Lucy. Apple and lavender really do work so well together. Now I wish I was back on my hols
Home made pastry is so much better isn’t it Julia, even more so when you have the patience to let it get cold before cooking
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Do try apple & lavender together, they really are a great combination.
Hi Farida
Please do let me know what you think of the apple pie when you add lavender.
I’m going back to Norfolk in September so hopefully I’ll go then, thanks for the tip Rosie and thanks for the lovely comment
Thanks Francesca
Glad you like it!