Background Color
Add to favorites
~ raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free ~
The flavor combination of lemon and lavender in this ice cream may sound a bit unusual, but they are incredibly delicate yet delicious when paired together. Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor, with citrus notes, so it seemed only natural to pair it with the zesty flavor of lemon.
If you are new to using lavender in the culinary sense, please read a post that I did here regarding its use. For years I would come across a recipe here and there that called for lavender but to be honest, I was quite intimidated, and it sent me running to the hills. But then you are looking at the same girl who once needed a tranquilizer after looking in her spice drawer!
I am being serious here. Salt and pepper were about the only spices that didn’t scare me. I got nervous around nutmeg, oblivious to oregano, petrified by parsley, so as you can see, something as decadent as lavender… well just sent me over the edge Funny how things can do that to a person. And why it seemed like such a complicated herb to use for seasoning, now eludes me.
If you can relate at all to what I just shared with you, then know this… there is hope for you! I am living proof, and I am here to help you… encourage you… support you, and let you know that I got your back. We can do this together.
To help you build up your confidence, go to your local health food store, specialty spice store, or a local nursery, and ASK for help. Here is a script that you can use, “Hi, I was wondering if you carry organic, fresh, or dried English lavender? I plan on using it in this most amazing raw ice cream recipe.” That is all that you have to say. Be aware; they might give you a quick once over and think to themselves… “Wow, she/he must be an amazing chef to be using lavender culinary!” ;)
If you can only find it fresh, not to worry, still get it. You can do one of two things… wrap a string around the stems of the bundle and hang it upside down to dry or you can use it fresh. I used some that I dried and you only need one-third of the number of dried buds compared to fresh lavender buds.
The real key to using lavender is to experiment; start out with a small amount and add more as you go. Adding too much to a recipe can be like eating perfume and make the dish bitter. So just remember, a little bit goes a long way.
I also want to let you know that I used canned coconut milk in my recipe. I realize that it is not raw, but I do the best that I can with what I have. Fresh is always better, but when I have to use a different form, I always seek out the best that I can find. I provided a link below to the brand that I use. It is BPA free, organic, and doesn’t have any additives.
Ingredients: Yields 5 cups
Think outside the bowl… check out my recipe for waffle cones/bowls/cookies!
Hi Amie Sue,
I’ve made ice creams using canned coconut milk twice in my new ice cream maker. It comes out great, but after I freeze it and want to eat it again it’s like a rock. It really takes awhile to thaw it soft enough to get out out the container. Is this typical of using coconut milk? Have you made ice cream with cashew milk? I was just wondering if it’s the same after freezing.
Hi Lesley,
I am currently in the midst of writing up a post that deals with raw ice creams. Keep an eye out for it and hopefully it will be of help to you! amie sue
I just put the custard base into the fridge to chill before going into the ice cream maker.. It is delicious as is.. I was concerned that the coconut flavor would dominate ..but it didn’t :) thanks for the recipe
Your welcome Denise :) I am glad that you are enjoying it and it isn’t even done yet. :) Thank you for trusting me and trying the recipe. Have a great evening, amie sue
Definitely going to try this soon! Thank you Amie-Sue!
Your welcome Jeanne, let me know how it goes if you do make it. Have a blessed evening, amie sue
Hi Amie, I sent u an email with screenshot of the recipe. I don’t see how much coconut milk to use.
Also, I’m super intimidated with the lavender. I actually have a lavender plant that is just starting to show flowers. But I don’t know how to process it or what is what and which if both are edible flowers vs buds… please advice.
Good morning Maureen,
For some reason on mobile devices, the photo was blocking the first ingredient (coconut milk) measurement. It was fine on my laptop. So strange. I repositioned the phot and now you can see it on your smartphone.
Regarding the lavender. You asked in another comment on recommending a video on it. I don’t know of any at the moment. I have just done this by experience. We have quite a few lavender farms around here that allow you to come in and harvest the amounts you want. I updated the posting, hoping it reads better for you. After reading through it again, let me know if you have any other questions. I know it can seem intimidating, but trust me it’s really easy to work with.
blessings, amie sue