Lavender Lady

Fried Manchego Cheese With Lavender Honey
By
Nicole Gaffney

How To Make Fried Manchego Cheese

Make the Lavender Honey

1. Pour the honey and lavender flowers into a small saucepan over low heat and give it a stir.
2. Once the honey just barely starts to bubble around the edges, turn off the heat and let steep for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24.
3. Pour the honey through a fine mesh sieve and use the back of a spoon to press the lavender flowers to extract all of their flavor and every last drop of honey.
4. The honey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Bread the Cheese
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1. Remove the rind from the Manchego, then cut into bite-sized cubes. Dredge each cube in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with panko.
2. Repeat with the remaining cheese cubes and place them in the refrigerator to chill while you heat the oil.
Pro Tip: Chilling the breaded cheese before frying helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the oil.

Fry and Serve

3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan with high sides. You want the oil to be very hot, around 375° to 400°F, so the exterior crisps up quickly without giving the cheese time to melt.
4. Drop in a few breaded cheese cubes at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the pan, and fry until golden brown on all sides, turning as needed.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon or strainer and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.
7. To serve, arrange the warm fried cheese cubes on a platter, then drizzle generously with lavender honey.
8. Skewer each piece with a toothpick and serve immediately.

Tips For Frying Cheese
* Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it's too cool, the cheese may melt before the coating crisps.
* Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can drop the oil temperature too much.
* Refrigerating the breaded cheese cubes helps them hold their shape during frying.

Variations
* Swap Manchego for halloumi, feta, or even sharp provolone for a different flavor profile.
* Add a touch of lemon zest to the lavender honey for brightness.
* Try thyme or rosemary in place of lavender for a more savory twist.
* Serve with a spicy pepper jam instead of honey for a completely different vibe.
* Leftover lavender honey can be used in tea, on toast, or drizzled over yogurt or a cheese plate.

Homemade Sore Muscle Rub

Ingredients

* ¼ Cup Sweet Almond Oil
* 1 TBSP Beeswax Pellets
* 7 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
* 7 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
* 7 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
* 3 Drops Clove Essential Oil

Instructions

* Place the beeswax and the sweet almond oil in a microwave safe bowl.
* Heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each heat session until the beeswax is fully melted.
* Carefully add the essential oils and stir well.
* Pour the mixture into the tin and allow to set before putting the lid on.
* Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the rub onto your fingers, then rub it in the intended site.
* Store in a dry place out of direct sunlight.This rub should last around 6 + months when stored correctly.

Notes
* You can use any type of carrier oil instead of the sweet almond oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.
* If you want this to be a vegan recipe, use candelilla wax instead of beeswax.
* I live in a hot climate, so this is made with extra beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder rub. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm.

simplelivingcreativelearning.com

Note from Lavender Lady: I adjusted the essential oils as the original recipe had a higher concentrate than is needed in safe practice.

Again with the coconut oil! While coconut oil initially can help moisturize your skin, continued use can be harmful and dry out your skin. I would suggest another oil with similar consistency. Or omit altogether. You may have to limit or omit your liquid oils as well for consistency. Just be sure that you adjust the essential oils if necessary as well to be no more than 2% dilution.

Time for one last cookout? Wow them with Lavender Rosemary Grilled Ribeye Steak!

Lavender Rosemary Grilled Ribeye Steak

Valentina K. Wein

This recipe is bursting with aromatic, fresh and flavors. Add to that the char from the grill and it's over-the-top!

PREP TIME
14 minutes
COOK TIME
6 minutes
RESTING TIME
10 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes
SERVINGS
2 to 4
CALORIES
386 kcal

INGREDIENTS
* 2 teaspoons fresh lavender, finely chopped
* 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
* ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 (approximately ¾ pound) Ribeye steak
* freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
* Make lavendar mixture. In a tiny bowl, combine the herbs with the salt. Add the olive oil and mix.�
* Season. Preheat a stove-top grill or your BBQ on high. While it's heating, rub both sides of each steak with the herb mixture, using all of it. Then crack a bit of black pepper on both sides.�
* Grill. Place the steaks on the preheated grill -- you should hear a sizzling sound right away. If you don't, your pan is not hot enough yet. Wait until it's very hot and listen for the sizzle! Try not to move the steak during the first couple minutes of cooking. This will allow it to form a, "crust."��Lower the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook until the desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 3 minutes per side.�
* Cool. Remove the steaks from the grill, place them on a plate, and cover with foil. Let the steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.�
NOTES

Calorie count is only an estimate.
Cookingontheweekends.com

In Part Two of our dream pillows informational, I share additional herbs to help in your dreamwork, as well as some herbs to avoid. You will learn how to make a simple pillow and aids to remember dreams if you so desire as well as a couple of dream blends. If you have not yet read part one you will want to do so first. This will wrap up our dream pillow tutorial.

Dream Pillows-Part Two

We’ve all had times when it was difficult to sleep, when our minds refuse to shut off, when nightmares chase us out of a sound or restless sleep, when the Sandman has somehow skipped over us in his rounds. Dream pillows can help to ease our stress, shut down our worries and guide us to a more productive sleep.

Here are some additional herbs to consider adding to your dream blend.

Aniseed: in folklore aniseed keeps men from dreaming. It is helpful in relaxing blends.

Balsam Fir: the needles are a pleasant addition to relaxing blends. They import an outdoorsy feeling to dreams.

Jasmine: the flowers lend an exotic and romantic feeling to dreams, especially to women.

Lemon Verbena: small amounts of the dried leaves can add a bit of lightness, even feelings of flying to the dream blend.

Leather: while it seems an unlikely ingredient, leather is tanned with a product that comes from oak bark. The scent of fresh leather trimmings adds excitement and energy to dream blends.

Lilac: use in small amounts for sweet, safe and peaceful dream mixes. Also good in mixtures for the sickroom or in travel blends. In large amounts, lilac adds sensuality.

Sweet Marjoram: used to ease nervousness and restlessness during sleep. Adds a dimension of warmth, safety, and comfort to dreams.

Mimosa flowers: can add an exotic, more complex feeling to dreams. Mimosa and lemon balm are a good combination for peaceful but slightly colorful dreams.

Passionflower: a mild sedative in herbal medicines, passionflower adds a quietness to dream mixes.

Thyme: herb lore believed that sleeping on a pillow of thyme would allow the dreamer to see fairy folk. Use sparingly in relaxing blends.

Vervain: Vervain has lots of ties to magic and prophetic dreams. According to folklore, Vervain keeps away nightmares and gives relaxing sleep.

These are just a few of the many herbs used in dreamwork. Feel free to experiment with other herbs in your dreamwork blends. Just be aware that some herbs will cause nightmares and headaches. Here are a few to avoid:

Artemisia: many forms of Artemisia can cause frightening dreams and headaches upon waking. Mugwort is an exception which can be used in any dream blends.

Bay: sometimes causes headaches upon waking and can add a violent quality to dreams.

Fixatives: such as orrisroot and cellulose, which contain scents of their own. These can change the dream blend and possibly cause headaches upon waking.

Essential Oils: these are overpowering in a dream blend.

Russian Tarragon: can cause frightening nightmares.

Sage: can cause a haunting feeling in dreams. Clary Sage blossoms are an exception and can be used in small amounts.

Sweet Annie: has such a wonderful scent you will be tempted to use it. Don’t however! Many people have allergic reactions to this sweet smelling herb.

Tansy: can cause violent and terrifying nightmares and headaches upon waking.

While experimentation is encouraged, always research and be aware of the herbs you choose. For example, you will want to know the difference between Queen Annes Lace and poison hemlock. Obviously, poison ivy is another that you wouldn’t want to collect for your dream blend. Experiment with caution. As always, if a rash develops or if you have difficulty breathing, discontinue use. See a doctor for any serious reactions.

A simple dream pillow can be made by sewing together two 10-inch squares of fabric leaving an opening for filling. Turn and loosely fill with cotton fiberfill. Add your dream blend and slip stitch closed. Cotton fabric works best. Always pre-wash fabrics if possible with an unscented detergent. Do not use fabric softener. As mentioned in part one, the size and shape are not important. A simple draw-string bag would do the trick as well. Small pillows can be placed in your pillowcase to keep them from wandering. Dream pillows should hold 1/2 to 1 cup mixed herbs.

Dream blends to get you started:

Sleepy Thyme Blend

1 cup rose petals
1 tablespoon hops
1/4 cup lavender buds
2 teaspoons rosemary leaves, crushed
2 teaspoons thyme

Pleasant Dreams

1 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup chamomile
1/3 cup lavender buds
1/3 cup catnip
2 tablespoons mint

If you want to remember your dreams, keep a small dream journal by your bed. Write down your dream as soon as you awaken. Lying still for a few minutes after waking can help secure the dream into your memory.

A personal testament to (lavender) dream pillows.

My husband suffers from PTSD which manifests almost completely in terrible nightmares in which something—usually a tree—is reaching through the window to get him. These nightmares are real because in them he can see. Forty years ago my husband was on his way to his college classes when an oncoming car crossed the center line and hit him head-on. The resulting trauma left him with multiple injuries and caused him to lose his sight. Although he has no conscious memories of his accident, The memories are almost certainly driving these terrible nightmares. I discovered dream pillows through my interest in lavender and its properties. Dream pillows are used to promote peaceful sleep and in some instances can influence your dreams. They are made up of mixtures of herbs, most prominently lavender, which is no surprise as lavender has calming properties. After I presented my husband with a present of a dream pillow made up exclusively of lavender we noticed a difference in his sleep patterns. He no longer had nightmares. He still had dreams but no longer the disturbing nightmares which had troubled him for years. Although studies need to be done, it was obvious to us that the lavender gave him peace of mind-something he hadn’t enjoyed since the accident robbed him of sight.
Does he still have nightmares? Occasionally. And when he does we know it’s time to refresh the lavender. Do dream pillows work? It works for him. I believe it can work for you.

Much of the information for this article was gleaned from Jim Long’s book, “Making Herbal Dream Pillows.

This is a two part informational on dream pillows and how they can help create restful sleep. Here is part one.

Dream Pillows - Part One
a brief introduction by Vicky Babcock (Lavender Lady)

Herbal pillows-or dream pillows-have been used for centuries to aid sleep, ease stress and relieve symptoms in the sick room. Their odors can create a sense of comfort and well-being, as well as enhance dreams and even-as with Lavender-ease headaches and relieve stress. It was believed that herbs held magical qualities. They were preported to ward off evil, used to foretell the future or to conjure up lovers. I’ve included some of the folklore for color.

Dream pillows come in many shapes and sizes. There is no wrong way to create the foundation for your pillow-the herbs inside help determine the dreams and/or quality of sleep. You may want to add cotton batting or fiberfill to give it a comfortable base.

You can dress up your dream pillow to make it elegant or use something as simple as a clean dry sock tied shut. The container doesn’t matter except for a few exceptions. You’ll want to use comfortable fabric-cotton is best—and wash all fabrics to remove excess dyes and sizing. Dyes and sizing can be unpredictable and change the quality of your dreams. If your pillow is on the small side, tuck it into your pillowcase to keep it from wandering.

Here are some herbs to get you started and the qualities they add to your dream pillow blend: All herbs should be dried before use to prevent the development of mold or mildew. When purchasing herbs be sure that they are organic to prevent any adverse effects. As with any herbs, should you develop a rash or breathing difficulties, discontinue use.

Calendula: in folklore, it is said that combining calendula blossoms and sage will make dreams come true. While I don’t recommend sage-with the exception of clary sage blossoms-in a dream blend, calendula, in small amounts can add restfulness to a blend and moderate more spicy ingredients

Catnip: used for centuries to ease babies troubled sleep. Not recommended for very young children. Catnip is a relaxing herb to people.

Chamomile: used for relaxation and pleasant dreams. People who are allergic to ragweed should avoid this herb as it can induce similar reactions.

Lavender: If you are going to use one herb only, I recommend lavender. lavender can be used to ease headaches and relieve stress. It is a relaxation herb. Combined with jasmine and roses, lavender adds warmth and familiarity to romantic mixes.

Lemon Balm: used to relieve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension. Combines well with roses, lavender, thyme, hops, and mint. A mix of lemon balm and lavender, in equal parts, is useful in relieving headache and stress.

Mint: Adds clarity, vividness and color to dreams.

Mugwort: relaxation, clarity. This herb is believed to assist in remembering your dreams.

Peppermint: See mint

Rose petals: Rose adds a sense of warmth and security. Roses are a good herb for romantic blends.

Rosemary: in folklore, rosemary, was used to ensure sleep and keep away bad dreams. A relaxing herb for restful sleep. Rosemary is said to aid in memory.

Sweet Hops: Use the flower to induce relaxation.

Continued in Part Two.

What You’ll Need:
* 2 tbsp Beeswax pellets (yellow or white)
* 2 tbsp Shea butter
* 2 tbsp Coconut oil
* 1 tbsp Olive oil (or Sweet Almond Oil)
* 1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil
* Optional: 1-2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Ensure it is high-quality and therapeutic grade. Avoid if your dog is sensitive to scents).
Equipment:
* A double boiler (or a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water)
* A glass measuring cup with a spout (for easy pouring)
* Small tins or glass jars with lids
* A wooden stir stick or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
* Set up your Double Boiler: Fill a small pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place your glass bowl or measuring cup on top. Make sure the bottom of the glass doesn’t touch the water directly—we want the steam to do the melting.
* Melt the Waxes and Hard Butters: Add the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to the glass container. Stir continuously. Beeswax has the highest melting point, so it will take the longest. Be patient; don’t turn up the heat too high, or you’ll degrade the beneficial properties of the oils.
* Add the Carrier Oils: Once the mixture is a clear, golden liquid, stir in the olive oil (or almond oil). Keep stirring for another minute to ensure everything is fully emulsified.
* The Final Touch: Remove the glass container from the heat. Let it cool for about 30 seconds, then stir in the Vitamin E oil and the optional lavender oil. Adding these at the end prevents the heat from damaging the delicate vitamins.
* The Pour: Quickly but carefully pour the liquid into your tins or jars. Work fast, as the beeswax will begin to harden almost immediately as it cools.
* The Set: Let the tins sit undisturbed on your counter for at least 2 hours. They will turn from a clear liquid to an opaque, creamy solid. Do not put them in the fridge to speed it up, as this can cause the balm to crack or become grainy.
How to Apply the Balm Like a Pro
Applying Important Safety Note: Essential Oils
While I mentioned Lavender oil, I must emphasize caution. Dogs have a sense of smell that is tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours. What smells “faint” to us is an explosion of scent to them. Furthermore, some essential oils are toxic to dogs (like Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Wintergreen). Always consult your vet before adding essential oils, or better yet, keep the recipe “naked” (scent-free) to be safe.
Maintenance: Beyond the Balm
Using a balm is a fantastic treatment, but prevention is the ultimate goal. Here are three tips to keep those paws healthy year-round:
Book Dog Trainers

1. The Post-Walk Rinse
In the winter, keep a bowl of lukewarm water and a towel by the door. When you come inside, dip each paw to rinse off salt and chemicals. Dry them thoroughly—dampness between the toes can lead to yeast infections.
2. Trim the “Toe Floof”
If your dog has long hair between their pads, keep it trimmed. This hair acts like a magnet for ice balls and burrs, which can cause irritation and lead to cracking.
3. Be Mindful of the Ground
If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Stick to the grass during the heat of the day.
balm to a wiggly dog can be a challenge. Here is my “expert” strategy for a stress-free application:
Timing is Everything
The best time to apply paw balm is when your dog is tired and relaxed. Ideally, right before bed or after a long walk. If you apply it when they are hyper, they will simply lick it off or wipe it on your carpet before it has a chance to absorb.
The Distraction Method
Use a “Lick Mat” or a spoonful of peanut butter (ensure it’s Xylitol-free!). While your dog is focused on the treat, you can easily massage the balm into each paw. Massage is key—it helps increase blood flow to the area, which speeds up healing.
A Little Goes a Long Way
You don’t need to glob it on. Use your finger to swirl a small amount out of the tin. Rub it into the pads and especially in between the “toes” where salt and ice often get trapped. The balm should leave a slight sheen, but the paw shouldn’t feel greasy.