Fireworks and Fun for the 4th

Hope your 4th of July was explosive!!!

We had a very low key celebration our way.  I am still figuring out my schedule and normalizing after our big push for CRAFTED and what that means for my Mon. - Thurs. schedule. We tore up the house getting everything for the port and I think it is going on 4 weeks neglecting laundry.  All this is put on hold until I make some more pin cushion rings since we sold out of a lot of them last weekend!!!

We celebrated with Lavender x3 cocktails for the 4th. Why "x3" you ask? If lavender were fireworks, then this drink would be the grand finale! It  was definitely  a lavender explosion made with Lavender Lemonade, Lavender Infused Vodka, and Lavender Simple Syrup. I also tried making the spiked lemonade with infused vodka and San Pellegrino Limonata... I am completely torn on which I liked better.  Making the actual lavender lemonade took some time so mixing with the Limonata makes WAY more sense in the taste to easy ratio.

Once the cocktails and food had been started on, logically we had to play some guitar hero for entertainment. I don't care how old this game is, I love spastically trying to keep up with the music!

To sweeten the day Annette and her culinary expertise brought some wonderful food over including this amazing peach + raspberry cobbler. With homemade vanilla bean whip cream mind you ;) So flippin' tasty it is no wonder she makes sweet treats for a living!

Alas, the holiday is over and work is calling...
Hope y'all have a wonderful rest of the week!
XOXO, KC

How-To's Day: Crafting Cocktails - Lavender Love

Today's How-To's Day post is in preparation for celebrating CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles and the big Grand Opening this weekend!!! What better way to celebrate than with a signature cocktail after a hard day's work! I picked up some culinary grade lavender when Sharon and I made our day trip down to Keys Creek Lavender Farm.  I will be using it in this recipe for Lavender-Infused Vodka and a Lavender Simple Syrup.
The vodka needs to sit for ~4days so this recipe will be ready just in time for celebrating Friday night after the big day :)

This is a great project to use upcycled bottles that you my have saved because you like the shape or style of the bottle. Here we have saved an old Kracken bottle and a maple syrup bottle since they both have the fancy handles.

Lavender Infused Vodka

You will need:
1/3 cup of fresh or dried lavender flowers
Enough Vodka to fill your container. This container can accomidate 750 ml of vodka 

To Make:
Drop 1/3 cup of fresh or dried lavender flowers into your cleaned and sterilized bottle using a funnel. 
Pour in vodka.
Cap tightly and shake/mix thoroughly. 
Place in freezer for up to 4 days.
Strain out lavender leaving the infused vodka behind.

Note: Leaving the vodka and lavender flowers in the freezer for less than 4 days will result in a more delicate infusion. Infusing it for longer than 4 days may make the infusion too strong to consume. If you aren't sure whether you will enjoy a stronger infusion, start off with a 15-minute infusion and taste as you go.

Lavender Simple Syrup

You will need:
1 cup water
3 Tbsp fresh or dried lavender flowers
2 cups sugar

To Make:
Bring water and lavender to a boil.
Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Strain out the lavender using a funnel lined with a mesh produce bag shown.
*I used cheesecloth because it is reusable.
Pour the mixture into a bottle and keep in the refrigerator.
**Note:It will store well for about 1 week.**

If you need some more inspiration and recipes to use your Lavender Infused Vodka or your Lavender Simple Syrup check here for more ideas.  Let me know what you come up with.

Enjoy!
XOXO, KC