Meyer Lemon Love Affair + Meyer Lemon Lavender Marmalade

Fragrant Meyer Lemons

I was torn. I had earmarked local kitchen's Lemon Lavender Marmalade recipe a while back, and was eager to put my swap lemons to good use, but I was too busy having a love affair with them. They were fragrant and vibrantly yellow and I moved them onto the coffee table like an art piece because I couldn't take my eyes off them. I let this go on for two days, and then decided to invoke my practical side and use them up before we left for Hawaii in case they weren't as lovely when I returned.

This is my first year preserving, thus my first foray into marmalade. I was excited and eagerly began scrubbing and slicing the lemons.

Yellow on yellow - yay!

Slicing begins

I'm always especially pleased when I have all the required ingredients for a recipe at hand. I had circumstantially bought a bunch of organic lavender from McEvoy Ranch one evening after getting off the ferry, just because it smelled so divine. It graced my bedside table as a bouquet for a few weeks before it dried out and was slotted for culinary use.

Organic lavender from McEvoy Ranch

Ingredient line-up

Cooking down

Mixing in the lavender

Ta-da!

The best part? I was almost equally satisfied with my new table art.

Last Swap + Next Swap

Yes, it is October and I am just now getting to the post on our August swap...but, to my defense I went to Hawaii for 10 days right after the swap, and you know how the tropics can take their toll. [wink wink]

Before we dig in to recalling the summery swappables of August, get your calendar out and mark the date for our next food swap event on Tuesday, October 25th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Tickets (free) will be available starting at 6 pm on Tuesday, October 11th. Stay tuned to Facebook or Twitter for the event link.

Our August swap was hosted at EHS Pilates, a most excellent studio if you are looking for one. Being our third swap, it was exciting to see – and taste! – the evolving seasonality of things people were bringing and making. What could be more summery than Tomato-Nectarine Bruscetta Spread, Zucchini Relish and Plum Jams? And there was so much more...let me show you!


(Didn't have great light for photos, so had to use my flash which is a pet peeve of mine, so apologies in advance for image quality)

Spicy + Mild Muhammara by Angela

Edible Perfumes & Essences by Yosh

Chile Honey Spiced Nuts by Lisa

Nutella by Lia

Tomato-Nectarine Bruschetta Topping by Jenna

Fresh Made Ricotta by Jenna

Farmer's Cheese & Moroccan Pickled Lemons by Olga

Nam (Thai Fermented Pork Sausage) by Jim

Meyer Lemons from Sophia

Assorted Cookies by Laura

Chipotle Aioli by Stephanie

Mountain Apple Rings & Spiced Fruit Leather by Jennifer

Sorrel Pesto & Salmon Empanadillas (not shown) by Christina

Assorted Relishes, Jams & Chutneys by Susan

Infused Vodkas by Jessie

Assorted Pickles, Jams & Jellies by Yours Truly

And if all that good stuff hasn't whet your appetite enough, there are a few more pics, including potluck creations here. Also, if you have any additional photos from the August swap please send them to the swap email or add them directly to the Facebook album!

Swap Booty at home - oh yeah!

Coming soon: Meyer Lemon Lavender Marmalade made from the swap lemons and more!