Sweet Basil Drinks

by Jimena Ramirez – January 06, 2023

For the full recipe, click here.

Lavender Chocolate Fudge with Dulce de Leche:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 16

Ingredients:
– 2 14-oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
– 20 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons lavender buds, well-rinsed
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, divided
– 1 teaspoon salt, divided

Directions:
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Pour one can of sweetened condensed milk into a pot over medium heat. Cover with foil and cook until golden-brown, about 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
In another pot, heat the second can with the lavender buds until gently simmering for 4-5 minutes, then strain.
Add the chocolate to the lavender-infused milk, stirring until melted. Combine with the dulce de leche mixture and refrigerate until set.
Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled.

Lemon Lavender Muffins:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients:
– 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds, well-rinsed
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– ¾ cup butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin.
Blend sugar, lavender, and lemon zest. Cream butter, then mix in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients separately and then mix into wet ingredients.
Distribute into muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes. Glaze with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice and milk.

No-Knead Spinach, Mushroom, and Basil Pizza:

Prep time: 8-12 hours
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ teaspoon dry active yeast
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– 1 ½ cups water
– 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced
– 4 cups baby spinach
– 4 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
– 2 oz. parmesan, freshly grated
– 1 bunch fresh basil

Directions:
Mix flour, yeast, and salt; add water until combined. Let rise for 8-12 hours. Preheat oven to 450°F. Form pizza bases and brush with garlic oil. Top with mushrooms, spinach, mozzarella, and parmesan, then bake until golden. Top with fresh basil before serving.

Mushroom and Gruyere Quiche:

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
– 2-3 tablespoons cold water
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– ½ lb. mushrooms, chopped
– ¼ cup white wine
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs
– ¾ cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated

Directions:
Make the dough, blind-bake tart shells. Cook mushrooms and garlic, add wine, then mix with eggs, heavy cream, and cheese. Fill shells and bake until set. Serve with a salad.