Strawberries with Lemon Sugar and Lavender Syrup

A elegant dessert featuring fresh strawberries topped with aromatic lavender syrup and citrusy lemon sugar, served with a dollop of crème fraîche. The perfect balance of floral, sweet, and tangy flavors.

8 servings
20 min

Ingredients

  • cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon peel
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms
  • 3 pounds strawberries
  • 1 cup crème fraîche

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mash 1/3 cup sugar and lemon peel in small bowl to blend well. (Lemon sugar can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.)

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Bring 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, honey, and lavender to boil in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until lavender flavor is pronounced, about 3 minutes. Strain syrup into small bowl. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature. Rewarm syrup before continuing.)

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Place berries in large bowl. Pour warm syrup over berries; stir to coat. Divide berries and syrup among 8 bowls. Spoon crème fraîche over berries, sprinkle with lemon sugar, and serve immediately.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    *Available at natural foods stores and some farmers' markets.