Lavender Design + Cuisine

Monday, January 5, 2026

Taste the World: 2026 Plant-Based Mediterranean Cooking & Wine Pairing Classes

Insalata di finocchi e arance rosse

(fennel & blood orange salad)

Greetings Foodies & Wine Lovers,

I’m thrilled to share that in 2026 my focus will be exclusively on private culinary experiences, bringing the vibrant world of farm-to-table, plant-based French, Italian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine directly to you!

My popular cooking and wine pairing classes will now be offered exclusively as bespoke, intimate events, ensuring every dish is crafted with organic, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients—including herbes de Provence straight from my garden.

Choose the perfect setting for your next gathering:

🔹 Private Team-Building Events: I’m heading back to my old stomping grounds in Silicon Valley to host bespoke, interactive culinary adventures within high-tech companies. A unique way to connect and collaborate over a shared meal!

🔹 Individual & Small Group Classes: Perfect for private parties, special occasions, or a fun gathering of up to 10 people. Elevate your dinner into a memorable group cooking class for friends and family.

The Ultimate Farm-to-Table Experience, Crafted in Your Home!

As your private chef, I handle everything with care: from custom menu creation featuring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to grocery shopping, cooking, and—best of all—cleanup. You simply relax, indulge, and savor high-quality ingredients and fine wine.

Above photo is a peek at my culinary style: My take on the classic insalata di finocchi e arance rosse (fennel blood orange salad) elevates the traditional Sicilian salad with the rich, jewel-toned flavor of blood oranges and the briny depth of Moroccan olives, finished with a fragrant citrus-cardamom vinaigrette.

As an extra perk, all registered students in my classes will receive a one-time 10% discount offer on all items available (including amazing wines) from the best kitchen store, the Toque Blanche in downtown Santa Cruz and online! Discount code will be provided in each class.

Ready for a magnificent culinary journey? Please contact me to book your private experience and begin custom-crafting your menu!

Bon Appetite!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!

Friday, January 2, 2026

No-Knead Morello Cherry Walnut Cardamom Bread Recipe!

Morello Cherry Walnut Cardamom Bread

Greetings Gourmet Bread Lovers!

Experience the joy of baking this delicious No-Knead Morello Cherry Walnut Cardamom Bread. Perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, this amazing loaf is ready in just one hour. Savor it warm, plain, or dressed up with plant-based butter and orange marmalade.

Personalize this delicious bread with your own label for an unforgettable Valentine's Day gift.

So, let’s get started with the recipe!

Prep time 15-20 minutes | Bake time 55-60 minutes

Ingredients:
2 Cups spelt flour
1 Stick melted plant-based sweet butter at room temperature
1 Cup plain oat milk
2/3 Cup chopped toasted walnut
2/3 Cup dried Morello cherries
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/3 Tsp. ground cardamom
2 Tbsp. orange zest
1/3 Cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ Tsp. sea salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F
2. Generously brush a standard loaf pan (8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches) with melted butter and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients, except for the melted butter, oat milk and orange juice.
5. In a small bowl whisk oat milk, orange juice and melted butter. Then, pour them over the ingredients in the medium bowl.
6. With a fork, mix all ingredients until well combined and then pour into the greased loaf pan.
7. Put the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer on a wire cooling tack for one hour. Then, carefully run a perry knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the bread.
9. Place a cutting board over the pan and turn it over to get the bread out, then gently flip over the bread. Next, slice the bread with a serrated knife and enjoy!

Happy Baking!

Chef Ellie Lavender

Plant-Based Mediterranean Chef

Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor

Event Caterer

Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!

Monday, October 27, 2025

Farm-to-Table Plant-Based Catering & Cooking Classes: French, Italian, Spanish & Moroccan

A Farm-to-Table Culinary Experience, Crafted in Your Home!

Elevate your next gathering with a custom, plant-based dining experience featuring vibrant French, Italian, Spanish and Moroccan flavors. As your private chef, I bring the freshest, local organic produce directly to your kitchen. Everything is handled with care, from custom menu creation and grocery shopping to cooking and—best of all—cleanup. You simply relax and indulge.

For a more interactive event, transform your dinner into a group cooking class for up to 10 guests. Savor high-quality ingredients, fine wine and a shared culinary adventure with friends and family.

Ready for a magnificent culinary journey? Please contact me to book your private experience and begin custom-crafting your menu!

Bon Appetite!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information

on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes and special events!