Lemon
When you hear the word “butter,” your mind might conjure up images of neat little sticks wrapped in foil, or maybe a soft pat of creamy goodness ready to be smeared on a slice of fresh toast. But what if I told you that not all “butters” are created equal? Sometimes, something labeled “butter” isn’t actually a compound butter (where softened butter is whipped with other ingredients). Instead, it can be more akin to a fruit curd—cooked slowly until it develops a velvety, spreadable texture.
That is precisely what’s at play in the recipe showcased in the YouTube video below. In this case, it’s a sweet, tangy, and floral spread that involves lemons, lavender, vanilla, sugar, and yes, actual butter, but it’s made using a cooking process much like a curd. If you’ve ever made apple butter, peach butter, or the more famous lemon curd, you already have a sense of where this culinary journey is going.
So, buckle up (or tie on that apron) as we dive into this whimsical, mouthwatering “butter” that’s not quite a simple compound butter. We’ll explore its farm-to-table spirit, its surprising floral twist, and exactly how to bring it to life in your own kitchen. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be ready to impress friends, family, and maybe even your neighbors by delivering a jar of homemade Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter.”
A Tale of Two “Butters”: Compound Butter vs. Curd-Style Butter
Let’s clear up any confusion right from the start:
- Compound Butter: Typically made by softening real butter and blending it with herbs, spices, or sweet flavorings (like honey, jam, or citrus zest). You don’t cook compound butter; it’s really just butter plus mix-ins, shaped back into a log or scooped into a ramekin.
- Curd-Style Butter: Often called fruit butter (like apple butter) or fruit curd (like lemon curd). These are cooked spreads that combine fruit juice or puree, sugar, eggs (in many traditional curd recipes), and sometimes a bit of real butter at the end. The cooking process thickens the mixture until it’s glossy and spreadable.
Our star of the day, Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter,” belongs to the second category. It’s sweet and slightly tangy, kissed by the perfume of lavender, and its consistency is thick, almost custard-like—perfect for slathering on toast, dolloping into pastries, or swirling into yogurt.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To conjure up the sweet magic of this Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter,” here are the key players:
1. Lemons – You’ll be using both the zest and juice. Fresh is best, so roll those lemons on the countertop to help release the juice, and zest them carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Lavender – Culinary-grade lavender buds are essential. Regular ornamental lavender can taste soapy or downright medicinal. If you don’t have easy access to fresh buds, dried culinary lavender works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s free from pesticides and labeled safe for consumption. (levender is sourced from australherbs)
3. Sugar – White granulated sugar is typically the go-to for a bright, clean flavor. You can experiment with alternatives like raw sugar or coconut sugar, but the final taste may vary.
4. Eggs – Many fruit curds rely on eggs for thickening and that silky texture. Eggs bind the mixture together into a luscious spread, so be sure to cook them gently and evenly.
5. Butter – Yes, there is actual butter in here, too! Adding butter after the mixture has somewhat thickened gives the final product an even richer mouthfeel.
6. Vanilla – A splash of pure vanilla extract or the seeds from a vanilla pod adds warmth and rounds out the tanginess of lemon and the floral notes of lavender
Continue with the video or keep reading below!
How to Make Lemon Lavender Vanilla Butter
The Taste Experience
So, what can you expect from this cooked concoction?
- Tangy Lemon: At the forefront is a vibrant citrus burst. That citrus tang is balanced by the sugar, so it’s sweet yet still distinctly lemony.
- Floral Lavender: A subtle, almost ethereal perfume lingers in each bite, thanks to the lavender. It’s important to measure your lavender carefully—too much, and it can overpower your palate. In moderation, it complements the lemon’s brightness beautifully.
- Warm Vanilla: Rounding out the tangy and floral notes is the soft embrace of vanilla. A gentle sweetness and comforting aroma help bind the flavours together in one cohesive spread.
In other words, it’s a delightfully balanced dance of sweet, tart, and floral.
Culinary Uses Galore
One of the most exciting aspects of this lemon-lavender-vanilla “butter” is its versatility. While the flavor profile might hint at a fancy afternoon tea in a lush garden, there are so many ways to incorporate it into your day-to-day meals. Here are a few ideas:
1. Spread on Toast or Biscuits
- Start your morning on a high note by slathering a tablespoon of this spread onto warm toast, flaky biscuits, or even croissants. You’ll feel like you’ve teleported to a charming bed-and-breakfast in the French countryside.
2. Filling for Cakes and Pastries
- If you’re a baking enthusiast, consider using this curd-like butter as a layer in a vanilla sponge cake or as a filling in your homemade pastries. It can stand in for classic lemon curd in tarts and brings a nuance of floral and vanilla to the table.
3. Swirl into Yogurt or Oatmeal
- Lend a burst of flavor to your healthy breakfast bowls. A swirl of Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter” turns plain yogurt or warm oatmeal into a bright, indulgent treat.
4. Ice Cream Topping
- Warm it slightly and drizzle over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. The contrast of hot and cold, along with the aromatic complexity, is heavenly.
5. Gift in a Jar
- If you’re looking for a homemade gift idea that feels both rustic and luxurious, this is it. Spoon the cooked “butter” into small, decorative jars, label them, and add a ribbon. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or housewarming presents.
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Tips for Success (and Avoiding the Dreaded Scrambled Eggs)
Because you’re dealing with eggs, the biggest challenge in a recipe like this is preventing them from curdling. Here are some pro tips:
- Low and Slow: Keep the heat on medium-low to low. High heat can cook the eggs too rapidly and create lumps.
- Constant Stirring: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents any part of the mixture from cooking too quickly on the bottom of the pan.
- Double Boiler Method: If you’re worried about scorching or scrambling, consider using a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water) for gentler, more controlled heat.
- Strain If Needed: If you do end up with a few tiny lumps (it happens!), strain the mixture through a sieve to save the day.
All About Lavender: Culinary Dos and Don’ts
Lavender’s delicate floral quality can either be your best friend in the kitchen or your worst enemy. Used with finesse, it’s enchanting. Overdo it, and your family might accuse you of serving them a bar of soap. To avoid that heartbreak:
- Stick to Culinary Lavender: English lavender varieties (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia) are typically best for cooking.
- Measure Carefully: Start small. You can always add more if you crave a bolder floral note, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
- Pair with Sweet and Citrus: Lavender loves being around sugar, honey, lemon, and vanilla. This is part of why it works so perfectly in this recipe.
Embracing the Farm-to-Table Journey
There’s something undeniably magical about turning humble ingredients—lemons, lavender blooms, sugar, eggs, and butter—into a luxurious homemade spread. It’s a microcosm of what the farm-to-table spirit is all about: appreciating the freshness, quality, and origins of what we eat.
Even if you’re simply strolling through your neighborhood farmers market or plucking a few lavender sprigs from a pot on your balcony, every little step that brings you closer to the source of your food enriches the experience. And when you finally swirl that spoon through your jar of Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter,” you’ll taste not just the sweet tang of lemons or the fragrant floral notes of lavender, but also the joy of slowing down and savoring nature’s bounty.
Storing and Shelf Life
Because this spread contains eggs and fresh lemon juice, it needs to be refrigerated. Store it in a clean, airtight jar, and it should keep for about two weeks. If you’re going to gift it, let the recipient know that it’s best enjoyed relatively soon—and always chilled.
Home cooks often use canning and preserving to extend the shelf life of seasonal produce. Canning involves sealing foods in jars to prevent spoilage, while preserving includes methods like freezing, drying, and fermenting. Both techniques allow for creative experimentation and connect cooks to food preservation traditions.
A Final Word: Sweet, Tangy, Floral Happiness
The Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter” recipe may keep the word “butter” in its title, but don’t be fooled—it’s an entirely different adventure than your standard compound butter. Think of it as an aromatic curd or fruit butter that’s cooked until it transforms into a silken, flavorful dream. Whether you slather it on a scone at breakfast or use it to fill a tart shell for a show-stopping dessert, this spread brings farm-fresh flair and a dash of culinary whimsy to your table.
So, the next time someone asks why your kitchen smells like a dreamy stroll through a lavender field—while simultaneously reminiscent of lemon groves—smile and offer them a taste. One spoonful of Lemon Lavender Vanilla “Butter,” and they’ll understand the magic.
Cook it. Taste it. Share it. And celebrate the sweet harmony of lemon, lavender, and vanilla—together, they’ll lift your spirits and prove that the simplest ingredients can yield the most luxurious rewards. Bon appétit!
Buy Butter Directly From Our Farm!
If you're not interested in making this immediately, you can buy it directly from us.
Ready to treat your taste buds to something extraordinary? Our handcrafted Lemon Lavender Butter is a luxurious blend of creamy butter, zesty lemon, and the soothing essence of lavender—perfect for spreading on warm scones, drizzling over pancakes, or adding a gourmet touch to your favorite dishes.
Looking for variety? Explore our other delicious spreads like Mulberry Butter, bursting with the vibrant, sweet-tart flavors of freshly harvested mulberries.
Every jar is lovingly crafted from sustainably grown ingredients on our permaculture farm in New South Wales. By choosing Vast Harvest, you’re not just enjoying exceptional flavors—you’re also supporting regenerative farming practices and a local community committed to sustainability.
Shop now and bring the taste of nature to your table! Visit vastharvestpermaculture.com.au to explore our full range of artisanal butters and spreads. 🌿✨
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