Lavender Design + Cuisine

Monday, August 28, 2023

Plant-Based Recipe: Romanesco & Romesco

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!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Tips: Revitalize Your Living Room

Cozy & Relaxing Living Room

5 Simple Feng Shui Tips for a Cozy & Relaxing Living Room

Your living room should be a sanctuary to unwind and rejuvenate. To feel at ease, you must eliminate stuck energy—also known as clutter. Transforming your space into an oasis of comfort is simple with these practical Feng Shui enhancements.

Here are 5 quick ways to revitalize your living room:

Clear Stuck Energy: Remove items that take up space without adding function or joy. Less is more; your living room should not look like a furniture showroom.
Maximize Natural Views: Keep blinds or curtains open if you have a view of nature. Bringing the sight of trees and gardens inside invites vibrant, positive energy.
Soothe Your Senses: Choose colors and fabrics that bring comfort and happiness. Avoid busy fabric patterns, which generate unsettling energy.
Invite Balanced Nature: Add healthy plants or fresh flowers to create a relaxing environment. Instantly discard dead or dying plants, as they drain your emotional well-being.
Rearrange and Repair: Move furniture to improve room flow. Toss out or replace cracked items, broken lamps, or smelly rugs that disrupt the peace.

Tips to Let Go This Weekend

Adopt a cleaning habit: Regularly wipe down windows, shades, and lamps to keep energy fresh.
Practice self-love: Do not keep items just because you own them. If an object serves no purpose, sell, recycle, donate, or gift it.
Set a schedule: Make a habit of deeply revitalizing your living room layout at least twice a year.

Lastly, have fun with the process!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine
Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

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Sunday, July 9, 2023

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA Recipe

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!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook