Plant-Based Recipe: Savory Shiitake Mushroom Bisque

 

Savory Shiitake Mushroom Bisque 

Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms

Garden Thyme

This Savory Shiitake Mushroom Bisque combines roasted shiitake mushrooms, shallot and thyme, creating a deeply savory, earthy umami flavor blended into a velvety texture with oat creamer. It is thickened with a traditional roux, enhancing the richness, and finished with dry sherry for a luxurious, aromatic depth.  

Savory Shiitake Mushroom Bisque

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Servings: 4-6 

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, caps sliced)
2 shallots, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups mushroom stock
1/2 cup dry sherry or white wine
1 cup extra-creamy oat milk or oat creamer
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and white pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish 

Instructions:

Roast Mushrooms: Toss shiitake caps with olive oil and thyme. Roast for 15-20 minutes at 400 F until browned. This deepens the flavor.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots, cooking until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make Roux & Cook: Add sliced/roasted mushrooms to the pot. Sprinkle with flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Simmer: Pour in the sherry to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Blend: Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a blender in batches), puree the soup until completely smooth and velvety.

Finish: Stir in the oat creamer and simmer gently for 5 minutes (do not boil). Season with salt and white pepper.

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives, parsley, or a few reserved roasted mushrooms. 

Perfect on its own, but amazing with crusty bread/ baguette and a glass of Chenin Blanc!

Bon Appétit!!

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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.

Plant-Based Recipe: Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad with Pistachio & Citrus-Cardamom Vinaigrette

 

Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad 

This vibrant Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad features long, shaved carrot ribbons, a bright aromatic citrus-cardamom vinaigrette and a satisfying crunch from roasted-salty pistachios. The recipe is inspired by Eastern-Mediterranean flavor profiles, utilizing citrus and cardamom to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

So, Let’s get started with the recipe!

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings 

Ingredients For the Salad:

1 lb. Organic Rainbow Carrots (approx. 4-6 large)
⅓ Cup Roasted-Salted-Shelled Pistachios (roughly chopped)

For the Citrus-Cardamom Dressing:

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Tsp. Lemon & Orange Zests
1 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup
1/3 Tsp. Ground Cardamom (or 1/2 tsp crushed cardamom seeds)
1 Small Garlic Clove, grated or finely minced
¼ Tsp. Sea Salt, or to taste

Instructions:

Create the Ribbons: Peel the carrots and remove the ends. Using a vegetable julienne peeler or mandoline, shave the carrots lengthwise into long, thin, paper-thin ribbons.

Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon & orange zests, honey, ground cardamom, garlic and sea salt until well combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the carrot ribbons and chopped toasted pistachios.

Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly.

Garnish: Top with additional chopped pistachios and herbs before serving. I had a few tiny red biquinho peppers and added those.

Culinary Tips:

Tool: A Y-peeler makes creating long, even ribbons easier.
Color: Use a mix of purple, yellow, and orange carrots to maximize the visual appeal.
Storage: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and tastes better as it marinades.
Add-ins: Optionally add feta cheese, pomegranate arils, or thinly sliced red onion for more texture and flavor.

Enjoy! Let me know how you made it and share a picture!

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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.

Spring Equinox Curation: The Ritual of Spatial Renewal

 

The arrival of Spring brings a powerful wave of renewal, joy, and fresh beginnings. This is your moment to chase your boldest dreams, starting with your immediate physical environment. By engaging in a sacred decluttering ritual, you deep-clean your home to strengthen your spirit, release stagnant energy, and open pathways for growth.

Here is your high-velocity guide to transforming your space into a pristine sanctuary:

1. Strategy & High-Energy Flow

• The 20/10 Rule: Work in focused intervals of 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of rest to maintain peak energy and completely eliminate burnout.
• Top-to-Bottom Flow: Tackle one room at a time. Always clean from top (ceiling fans, light fixtures) to bottom (floors) so falling dust is captured efficiently. Spread the ritual over a few days to keep it entirely manageable.

2. Intentional Decluttering

• The Three-Pile Method: Clear high-traffic counters and chaotic drawers by instantly sorting items into three distinct tracks: Keep, Donate, or Discard.
• The Rule of Place: Assign a permanent, dedicated functional home to every single item left standing. Extend this purge to your digital workspace to lower hidden mental stress.

3. Deep-Cleaning Masterclass

• Kitchen & Bath: Clean inside appliances and wipe down cabinets. Ruthlessly eliminate mildew spots from bathroom surfaces.
• Textiles & Glass: Launder your linens, rugs, and heavy curtains. Wash windows thoroughly to maximize the intake of pure spring sunlight. Finish by steam-cleaning your carpets.

4. Non-Toxic Chemical Detox

• Plant-Based Solutions: Prioritize your wellness by completely banning harsh, toxic synthetic cleaners.
• Natural Agents: Rely on simple, powerful, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, white vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to safely lift stubborn dirt and grime without leaving harmful chemical residues.

5. Revitalize the Senses

• Aromatherapy Boost: Diffuse invigorating, pure essential oils like rosemary, lemon, and lavender to immediately elevate your workspace mood.
• Biophilic Design: Finish your spatial curation by bringing fresh life indoors. Decorate with vibrant potted plants or fresh-cut local flowers to anchor positive energy.

6. Tools for Precision

• Assemble your toolkit before you begin to maximize efficiency: microfiber cloths, glass spray bottles, fresh sponges, a room-by-room printable checklist, and a high-performance HEPA-filter vacuum.

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Savor the joy of transforming your home into a beautiful sanctuary of positive energy. For exclusive monthly space curation tips, send me an email to subscribe to my newsletter!

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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.