Lavender Design + Cuisine: 2023

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Plant-Based Recipe: Tuscan Kale & White Bean Pate

Tuscan Kale & White Bean Pate

Making your own pâté is a great opportunity to get creative with your ingredients and customize it to your taste. For example, you can create a delicious and protein-rich dish like this Tuscan Kale and White Bean Pâté or use a variety of other beans, nuts, greens, fresh herbs, and spices to create one to your own taste.

So, let’s get started with the recipe.

Ingredients (serving size 4):

1 Cup roasted Tuscan kale
1 Cup cooked white beans
1/2 Cup toasted unsalted pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. Meyer lemon or lemon juice
1 Tsp. Meyer lemon or lemon zest
1/3 Cup pitted green olives
1 garlic clove peeled
1 Tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1/3 Tsp. ground coriander seeds
1/3 Tsp. cumin
1/3 Tsp. turmeric
1/3 Tsp. sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor add all ingredients and process until the mixture is creamy.
2. Transfer your pate into a bowl, garnish with radishes, olives and anything else to your liking!

Enjoy this pâté as an appetizer, or use it to add flavor to sandwiches, wraps, and paninis.

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Vegan Mediterranean Culinary Services

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

The Art of Cooking & Baking with Culinary Lavender!

Culinary Lavender

Greetings Lavender Lovers!

My students often ask what distinguishes the organic, culinary-grade lavender I use for baking and cooking from the varieties found in gardens and nurseries. Let's explore the unique properties of this amazing herb and distinguish it from others.

Lavender History

Dating back 2,500 years, the mint-family plant known as lavender is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. It is prized for its beauty, sweet floral scent and versatility.

Lavender Varieties

Lavandula Angustifolia (English Lavender): An endemic plant found in the central and western Mediterranean, including parts of Italy, France, and Spain.

Lavandula Latifolia (Lavandins): This group includes Lavandula x intermedia, a hybrid often called lavandin or French Lavender. While these varieties are aromatic, Provence lavender is the specific type commonly used for cooking and baking.

For the ‘Provence lavender experience’: To get the authentic Provence flavor, look specifically for this culinary variety of lavandin.

Tips for cooking and baking with culinary lavender:

Unlock a layer of sophisticated flavor with a whisper of lavender. This powerful herb has a uniquely elegant floral and herbaceous profile, so a light touch is all that's needed to transform creations from ordinary to extraordinary. With its versatile character, it is the perfect companion for both sweet and savory recipes. Use it to enhance the vibrant flavor of fruits add aromatic depth to dark chocolate ganache, or lend a delicate perfume to syrups, elixirs, cocktails, tarts, galettes, gateaux, madeleines, macarons, crème brûlée, panna cotta, lemon-lavender shortbread cookies, sablé cookies and more.

Summary: Hand-harvested, pesticide-free and aromatic culinary lavender is perfect for cooking and baking and will give your favorite dish an unforgettable taste.

My passion for cooking and baking was sparked at a young age, where I experimented with different vegetables, fruits and culinary lavender to master my craft.

Happy Cooking & Baking with Lavender!

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 cooking & wine pairing classes and special events!

A Chef's Delicious Journey!

Mediterranean Cuisine Vegetables & Herbs

My journey into the culinary world started with a single, surprising declaration. At just seven years old, I announced to my bewildered parents that I was a vegetarian and, from that day forward, would only eat vegetarian food. My mother, with a stroke of genius, didn't argue. Instead, she handed me a life lesson: ‘It’s time for you to learn how to cook so that you can make any kind of dish that you like.’

That moment set me on a path to a classic Provençal vegetable stew—Ratatouille. My first dish was a vibrant blend of seasonal vegetables, capers and olives, a meal that first originated in Nice, France. I still make that dish today, using organic produce and fresh herbes de Provence from my own garden. It's a taste that always feels like coming home.

That early passion has since evolved into a rich, culinary niche: plant-based Mediterranean cuisine.

My cooking is a celebration of organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which I transform into delicious, farm-to-table foods for my personal chef clients, catering events and, of course, my family and friends.

The joy of being in the kitchen and experimenting with new flavors and recipes hasn't faded. I know that the best dishes are only as good as the ingredients you start with and I'm still just as excited to create something new as I was all those years ago.

Happy Cooking!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-based Mediterranean Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer

Plant-Based Mediterranean Culinary Services

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

Monday, August 28, 2023

Roasted Romanesco Steaks with Romesco Sauce Vegan Recipes

Romanesco Steaks with Romesco Sauce

Romanesco Prepped for Roasting

Romanesco

Romensco, this stunning gorgeous chartreuse color vegetable is just one of many exquisite work of arts in the vast repertoire of magnificent Mother Nature. It’s a cool weather vegetable and in season beginning in the fall, can be grown through the winter and into early spring.

Romensco Story - Romensco originated in the Lazio region of Italy as early as the 15th century. Rome, from which the plant gets its name, is the capital of Lazio. Many botanists believe it was the result of selective breeding by Italian farmers in the 16th century.

Chartreuse Color Story - Chartreuse, appropriately named for its resemblance to the French herbal liqueur Chartreuse (aka an elixir from the French Alps) made by French monks since 1737 using a secret recipe of a blend of 130 different plants and herbs. The name comes from the Grande Chartreuse monastery, located near Grenoble, France. In addition, this gorgeous color represents enthusiasm, happiness, nature and growth.

Romensco is wonderful raw in salads, but also roasted with herbes de Provence, smoked sweet paprika, sea salt and olive oil with savory Romescosauce, which beautifully complements its nutty flavor and sweetness.

So, let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients:
1. One head of medium size romanesco
2. Two tbsp, olive oil
3. One tsp. herbes de Provence
4. A pinch of sea salt

5. A pinch of smoked sweet paprika

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
2. Remove all outer leaves from the romanesco.
3. Cut romanesco into 1 inch slices
4. Generously brush both sides of each slice with olive oil, sprinkle of herbes de Provence and sea salt
5. Place sliced romanesco on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
6. Remove roasted romanesco from oven and place on cooling rack for a few minutes and enjoy with Romesco sauce or any other sauce to your linking!

Happy Roasting!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Vegan Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Cuisine

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

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Gardening Inspires Creativity!

Gardening is all about creativity, and the one significant benefit of this wonderful activity is that it inspires your creativity!

No matter if you are growing some plants in your backyard or putting together a flower, vegetable or herb garden, you can get creative with everything in the garden.

Moreover, if you have kids, you can also ask them to help you in your garden. They can water the plants, sow new seeds or assist in making garden signs to tell you where you planted certain herbs and vegetables. These all things will encourage their creativity.

Gardening makes you able to pay your full attention to what you are doing. When you plan everything with your own hands, you take care of that carefully, monitoring all the vegetables and herbs, so you can pick them at the right time. That’s why a lot of people spend hours in their garden to make sure their plants are healthy.

Gardening is one the greatest joy of my life! It inspires my creativity, recipes for my culinary creations, and it just makes me happy!

Happy Gardening!

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

Living Room Feng Shui Enhancements!

Cozy & Relaxing Living Room

Finding a sanctuary in our modern world isn't always easy. Many of us work at home, or take work home from the office. Lots of us share spaces with significant others or family members, so turning down the volume of life at home isn't always easy. To create a place to unwind, you must eliminate the stuck energy, otherwise known as clutter, so that your mind and body can feel at ease and fully release the stresses of the day.

Living rooms are considered a common space to relax and rejuvenate. Therefore, it should be clutter-free, organized, clean and inviting. You can easily create a place of joy, comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation by applying these very simple and practical Feng Shui enhancements to your living room:

1. Declutter - Clutter is stuck energy, get rid of it! Declutter your living room to increase and enhance the flow of positive energy, hence relaxation. Remove all items that only take up space in your living room without adding any value, static pleasure or functionality. There is no need for too many lamps, sofa, chairs, tables, arts, plants, etc., after all, it’s a living room, not a furniture showroom! Plus, less is always more!

2. Find a good view - If you have a view of your garden, trees and nature, leave your blinds or curtains open to bring that vibrant energy inside.

3. Appeal to your senses – Choose colors, fabrics and styles that bring you comfort, joy and happiness. Avoid busy fabric patterns, they generates unsettling energy!

4. Add more nature - Nature is the ultimate relaxation nirvana. Add plants, fresh flowers and bring nature into your living room (keep in mind that balance is the key here, you don’t want to create a garden in your living room). Remove dying and dead plants from your living room and any other areas of your house too. They generate negative energy and not good for your physical health or emotional well-being.

5. Rearrange your furniture – Furniture are not permanent fixtures and can be easily rearranged. Move them around to increase the flow of positive energy. While you are at it, get rid of cracked and broken furniture, lamps, smelly rugs, etc.

6. Clean Your Living Room – Make a habit to keep your living room clean and that includes windows, shades, lamps, rugs, etc.

Put your self-love hat on and let go of all the items that have no purpose or benefits being in your living room whatsoever. Just because you have them, it doesn’t mean that you have to use or keep them. Sell, recycle, donate, or gift friends and family if they need or want them.

Lastly, have fun with the process and make a habit of revitalizing your living room at least once or twice a year!

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Savory Garden Herb Socca: A Delicious Chickpea Flatbread

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA Baked in Skillet

Savory Garden Herb Socca: A Delicious Chickpea Flatbread

This flavorful and crispy chickpea flour flatbread, commonly known as Socca (or Farinata in Italy) is naturally a gluten-free and plant-based Italian appetizer often enjoyed plain or with various toppings. My version incorporates garden fresh herbs, freshly ground coriander seeds, and a hint of smoked paprika for a unique twist.

You can also enjoy with olive tapenade, romesco or marinara sauce, pesto and also as a base for pizza with your favorite toppings!

SOCCA originated in the Genoa region of Italy, where it is known as Farinata and quickly spread in popularity throughout the Ligurian coast of Italy and the Provence region of southern France. It’s also known as Torta di Ceci, Cecina and Panisse de Marseille. It’s baked until nicely browned and crispy on the edges and then served hot cut into wedges.

So let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients

1 Cup chickpea flour
1 Cup warm water
1/2 Tsp sea salt
1/4 Tsp freshly ground coriander seeds
2 Tbsp olive oil
Smoked paprika
A handful of garden herbs (I used dill, marjoram, thyme & oregano from my garden)

Equipment
Cast iron skillet

Instructions

1. Mix chickpea flour, sea salt and ground coriander in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 cup warm water to the mixture, whisk until well combined and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven for 20 mins. Remove the skillet carefully, grease with olive oil, pour the batter, add your favorite herbs and a dash of smoked paprika.

3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set, and it is golden in color. Remove baked SOCCA from oven and place it on a cooling rack for a few minutes, then transfer it on a cutting board and slice into wedges. You can enjoy the SOCCA by itself, with your favorite condiments, or soup and salad.

Happy Baking and Enjoy!

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

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Simple Summer Chickpea Salad with Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette!

Simple Summer Chickpea Salad

This simple and refreshing Summer Chickpea Salad is full of healthy delicious ingredients! It's perfect for lunch, as a side dish or as a lovely addition to your favorite mixed greens or arugula. You can also add/use other veggies such as red, yellow and orange peppers, scallion or shallot instead of red onion. Just use your culinary imagination and create a colorful, beautiful and delicious salad!

So let’s get started with the recipes!

Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 Cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Garlic clove grated
1/2 Tsp. sea salt

Instructions: In a small jar with tight fitting lid, combine all ingredients and shake well to combine.

Chickpea Salad Recipe (serving size 4)

Ingredients:
3 Cups cooked chickpeas (if you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them with water a few times, then pad dry them with paper towel before adding to the rest of ingredients)
2/3 Cup chopped cucumber (Persian or English cucumbers are the best due to their crispness)
1/2 Cup halved cherry tomato
1/4 Cup diced red onion
1/4 Cup chopped green olives
1/2 Cup fresh oregano, thyme, marjoram, parsley or basil

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the lemon garlic Dijon vinaigrette and gently toss them to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Enjoy!

Chef Ellie Lavender

Vegan Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Cuisine

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

Friday, May 26, 2023

2023 Vegan Mediterranean Culinary & Wine Pairing Classes!

Vegan Mediterranean Culinary & Wine Pairing Classes

Greetings Foodies & Wine Lovers!

Join me on a wonderful vegan Mediterranean culinary & wine pairing journey to France, Spain, Italy and Morocco - all without venturing far from home.

My culinary and wine pairing classes are held locally at the beautiful FlipJackRanch in Bonny Doon nestled amongst a redwood forest in the magical Santa Cruz Mountains!

Each class runs for 4 hours and limited to 10 students to ensure the most spectacular experience for all. Since, seats are limited, early registration is highly encouraged, please click here to view my classes and to register now.

Additionally, all registered students in my classes will receive a one-time 10% discount offer on all culinary, cooking and baking items available in ToqueBlanche kitchen store in downtown Santa Cruz and on their website. Discount code will be provided in the class.

I look forward to seeing you in my fun and delicious classes!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Vegan Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Cuisine

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

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

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Simple Dining Room Revitalization Tips!

Clutter-Free, Vibrant & Inviting Dining Room

Formal or casual, modern or traditional, the dining room is the social center of a home. It is the place to enjoy meals, friends and family gatherings, birthdays and holiday parties.

To revitalize your dining room, start by decluttering (remove all items that have nothing to do with a dining room), paint your dining room (a fresh coat of paint will lift up the energy), change light fixtures and rug, add arts and fresh flowers and finally, give your dining table and chairs a makeover if they needed it (sand, stain or paint).

These simple steps are not only cost effective, but also fun ways to revitalize your dining room. They will contribute to healthy eating and harmonious family relationships!

Happy Revitalization!

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Plant-Based Recipe: Sweet & Savory Gateau Salé

Sweet & Savory Gateau Salé

Vintage Baking Pan

Gateau Salé, a savory cake from the Provence region of France, is an easy-to-make and versatile bread. It is traditionally served with pre-dinner drinks (apéro) and pairs beautifully with soups, salads and other appetizers.

While Gateau Salé is typically baked in a loaf pan, I opted for a beautiful vintage round cake pan—a Wear-Ever fluted aluminum pie pan from the 1950s—that I found at a yard sale!

So let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup spelt flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. dried herbes de Provence
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup plain oat milk
1/2 cup chopped walnut and a few walnut halves to put on gateau batter
1/2 cup chopped pitted Picholine or any other green olives and a few whole olives to put on gateau batter
5 dried figs thinly sliced to put on gateau batter
2 thyme sprigs and a few marjoram leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Generously brush a 10 or 12 inch deep pie pan with olive oil and set aside.

3. Process the rolled oats in a food processor until they have turned into fine flour.

4. In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients and whisk a few times until well combined.

5. Add oat milk and olive oil to dry ingredients and stir until well mixed.

6. Pour the batter in the greased pie pan, with a spoon level top the batter. Next, place the halved walnut, sliced figs, whole olives, thyme sprigs and marjoram leaves on gateau batter.

7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

8. Take the gateau sale out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 30 minutes.

9. To release the gateau sale, use a Perry knife to carefully separate it from the sides of the pan. Place a cutting board firmly over the pan and flip them both over. After removing the pan, gently turn the gateau sale over again and cut into slices for serving.

This yummy, sweet-and-savory Gateau Salé is a perfect culinary gift for friends and family, especially with your own custom wrapping and label.

Enjoy & Happy Baking!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Plant-Based Mediterranean Culinary Services

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