My mum can grow lavender like nobody else can. While I buy and plant pot after pot that slowly withers and dies hers flourishes through little more than neglect and the occasional picking of a few stems.
I adore lavender, not lest because it is so bee-friendly. And as we (should) all know by now, no bees = no me.
It is also wonderful to cook with. I have posted recipes previously for lavender and honey cupcakes https://thehungrymum.com/2015/05/26/lavender-and-honey-cupcakes/
and lavender and lemon cake https://thehungrymum.com/2014/07/18/how-to-make-lavender-and-lemon-cake/
I wondered how it would pair with chocolate – the answer, in case you’re curious, is very well indeed. I am somewhat of a novice fudge-maker but I was very happy with these results.
I think a batch of chocolate lavender fudge in a tin would make a lovely ‘thinking of you’ or ‘welcome to the neighbourhood’ gift. At Christmas it would also make a pretty addition to the dessert table.
I tweaked a recipe from Boulder Locavore, here’s the original: http://boulderlocavore.com/chocolate-lavender-fudge-with-salted-caramel-top/
If you need to buy lavender for this recipe ensure it is food-grade. You may have to seek it out at specialist food shops – don’t grab a bunch from your florist or garden centre as it is important to only use blooms that haven’t been sprayed with any chemicals.
GATHER:
2 ½ cups dark chocolate, chopped
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lavender, finely snipped with scissors
sprinkle best quality salt – I used vanilla salt
LET’S GET TO IT:
Spray a 20cm x 20cm slice pan with non-stick spray then line with non-stick baking paper, allowing overhang.
In a medium glass or ceramic bowl place the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and butter. Chose a pan on which the bowl will snugly fit, then fill the pan about a third of the ay with water. Place bowl on top, heat to a simmer, then stir the mix until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat then scrape into pan. Carefully tap on bench a few times to remove air bubbles, then sprinkle over the lavender and salt.
Cool in the fridge overnight, then slice into small squares to serve.
the hungry mum 
This looks like a GREAT recipe. 🙂 I love the fancy salt and anything lavender.
Same! My fancy salt collection is a bit outta control!
Looks fantastic, and I love your photos! 🙂
Aren’t you sweet? Thanks 😉
You’re welcome! 🙂
Very good-looking chocolate fudge!
You’re too kind.
yum! i love chocolate and lavender together. sounds delish:)
Thanks so much Sherry 🙂
Wow. This looks incredible. The next time I’m having a chocoholic moment, I’m reaching for this recipe!
Thanks Callie! It is super simple and perfect for a chocolate craving.
I’ve never tried lavender and chocolate together before, but now I want to try it!
You must try it! It is such an odd pairing but it works.
I shall!!
This post has inspired a vegan chocolate lavender fudge bake up on the weekend. If it works, I am going to kiss you! 🙂
oooh, yay! Of course it will work! And I get a kiss – woo hoo!
This fudge looks so good! I rarely make fudge unless it’s a gift. I have absolutely no will power when fudge is around. I know that a batch of your fudge would have, at best, a 24 hour shelf-life in my home — but I would be so very happy. 🙂
I love lavender in cooking (so much) I also love how easy this recipe sounds. The idea of fudge usually scares me (candy thermometers!) but this sounds fantastic
Bloody candy thermometers – bought a really dear glass one and of course it broke after 1 use. I’m all about making tricky recipes simple.
Good Afternoon to you, Can I ask, does it matter which type of lavender I use in this recipe. I grow French lavender and Hidcote lavender in my garden…. is one better than the other.
Best Wishes
Daphne
Oooh, that;s a technical Q! It doesn’t matter which lavender you use, I just used what my mum had growing in her garden 🙂