Sweet Vanilla and Lavender Biscuits: A Heartfelt Recipe for a Special Friend

A couple of weeks ago, I gathered a bunch of lavender from our garden to gift my dear friend Claire. This spring, our lavender plants bloomed like never before, filling the garden with their sweet fragrance.

Little did I know that lavender is Claire’s favourite flower. When I handed it to her, she held the bunch close, deeply inhaling the scent, her face lighting up with pure joy.

Claire is not only a beautiful woman with a warm heart but also an inspiring figure in my life. As a palliative care nurse, she cares deeply for her patients, family, and friends. Her ability to stay present in every moment and her joyful energy inspire me every day.

Inspired by her kindness, I decided to create these vanilla and lavender biscuits as a tribute to our friendship. Taking time to craft the recipe, mix the dough, roll it out, and decorate the biscuits was such a rewarding process.

The result was sweetly fragrant, crisp, and delicious biscuits that are perfect with an afternoon cup of tea. Every time I bake them, I will think of Claire, and so they will be known as “Claire’s biscuits” in our home. I hope you have a friend like Claire, and that you too can be as wonderful a friend to someone else.

What You Need:

• 125 g cultured butter
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups plain flour
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Icing:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 60 g cultured butter
• Juice of 1/2 – 1 lemon
• Dried and fresh lavender flowers for decoration (if you have your own lavender, use that. If not, supermarket lavender will do just fine)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the egg and continue to beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour in two batches, mixing well until you have a soft dough.
5. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and chill it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.
6. Once the dough is firm, roll it out between two sheets of baking paper until it’s about 5 mm thick.
7. Cut out heart-shaped biscuits using a cookie cutter, and place them on a baking tray lined with silicon paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each biscuit.
8. Gather any leftover dough, roll it out again, and cut more biscuits until the dough is used up.
9. Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes or until they turn lightly golden around the edges.
10. Once baked, allow the biscuits to cool on a rack.

For the Icing:

1. To make the icing, mix the icing sugar and butter together.
2. Gradually add lemon juice, a little at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth consistency— it should be thick but not runny.
3. Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing onto each biscuit using a palette knife or piping bag.
4. Decorate with dried lavender flowers for a beautiful finish.

Storing:

Once iced, the biscuits will keep fresh for 3-5 days in an airtight container.

These vanilla and lavender biscuits are a perfect way to add a touch of joy to your day. Not only are they a great treat with tea, but they also carry the essence of friendship and love.

Every bite reminds me of Claire and her endless generosity. Whether you make them for someone special or simply as a treat for yourself, these biscuits are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your home.

Recipe Source

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