Products of the garden mind ~

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day! Lavender ( Lavandula) Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Lavender ( Lavandula) The name dill is thought to have originated from a Norse or Anglo-Saxon word 'dylle' meaning to soothe or lull, the plant having the carminative property of relieving gas. Cheery Dill Saladmakes 4 servingsA light, refreshing and colorful salad -- the perfect accompaniment for grilled fish or chicken and a welcome dish at any picnic. An added bonus: it's quick and easy. 8 TBLS. rice wine vinegar1/4 tsp. coarse ground pepper8 tsp. sugar1/2 tsp. salt4 TBLS. chopped fresh dill3/4 tsp. grated lemon peel1 English cucumber4 radishes, cut into match sticks2 tomatoes, chopped Mix the first six ingredients in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Slice the English cucumber lengthwise and then cut into 1/4-inch segments. Add this to the marinade, along with the radishes and the tomatoes. Toss well to combine flavors. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour, stirring a few times to makes sure everything is equally marinated. "Lavender Blue", also called "Lavender's blue", is an English folk song dating to the 17th century. Lavender Lemonade Hidcote lavender turns lemonade rosy pink. Other varieties turn it a paler color. Avoid piney-smelling lavenders, such as spike. For that extra touch, garnish lemonade with fresh lavender sprigs. Makes: 6 cups 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup (a generous handful) fresh or 1 tablespoon dried lavender blooms stripped from stems 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained Ice cubes Lavender sprigs for garnish Combine sugar with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes (and up to several hours). Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 2 1/2 cups water. Stir well and watch lemonade change color. Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice or refrigerate until ready to use. MORE: