Repost-------When I think of old fashioned ice cream socials, I think of a small town in my area that steps back in time each summer. The Millers Mills ice harvest each February is a community event where young and old pitch in to saw ice by hand into blocks to be drawn by horses to the ice house. The ice is then used to chill ice cream for the summer ice cream social. In 1983 Charles Kuralt came to Millers Mills to the Ice Cream Social for his show “On The Road”. That clip can still be seen today from time to time on the Travel Channel.
The inspiration behind the Lavender Cookie Bars that I served at my ice cream social came from the Garden and Herb Fest that I attend every June in my area. At the fest, they had many different food items made with herbs, including the lavender cookie bars. I didn't have a recipe, and was surprised I couldn't find anything similar on the internet, so played around with a few recipes and had success.
So, off I went to my lavender patch, and came up with this recipe.
Debbie's Lavender Cookie Bars
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups soft butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons chopped lavender
In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, with electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Stir in chips. Spread evenly in an ungreased 15 x 10-inch shallow-rimmed pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool in pan. Cut into bars.
I topped my bars with black cherry ice cream which is my absolute favorite flavor (strawberry and chocolate are not too far behind). I opened the box of ice cream, and quickly cut it into slices. I placed the ice cream slices on a parchment lined cookie sheet, and put in the freezer until solid. Then I wrapped the slices individually with wax paper, and put in zip loc bags.
First I have to say that you KNOW a floral centerpiece always has a place at Kitchen Bouquet! I love what you did with it Debbie..it has such a beautiful shape. Now on to your fabulous Lavender bar cookies. You come up with some excellent recipes Debbie. I think you should consider a cookbook one day..really. Your ideas are delicious but unique. I'd love to give your cookies a try. The black cherry ice cream is just the perfect lavender hue isn't it? This is such a beautiful post Debbie..so glad you were able to join us at the social. I know you are a busy girl. I am excited about Susan's Garden Party too. I need to solidify my plans..its coming up quick.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the photo I thought you had made lavender ice cream! The lavender bars sound delicious - and the black cherry ice cream makes it look so yummy!!
ReplyDeleteLeave it to you to come up with something so unique...you have a great talent in putting things together! (lemon berry cake)
The floral centerpiece is beau..love the bowl!!
Gorgeous centerpiece, Debbie! and what a cool idea to make ice cream cookie bars! they look delicious and very pretty! Leave it to you, very pretty ice cream social!
ReplyDeleteThese bars are just beautiful. I have seen lavender sugar cookies before that I thought were intriguing. Would love to try your recipe.
ReplyDeleteChristi
Debbie, these sound wonderful and they look beautiful! I'm not sure I've ever had black cherry ice cream, if you can believe that!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're already thinking about next weekend ;)
ummm...just perfect for an ice creme social..
ReplyDeleteThe ice cream bars are so pretty. I like how you even garnished it with a little sprig of lavender and a curl of ribbon.
ReplyDeleteThey look delicious, and such a cute centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteI know I have asked this before, but no one ever answers. Or if they did, I didn't see the answer..:)I have lavender growing, but is there a special kind you can eat? I don't want to poison anyone!!
These bars look and sound wonderful. Your entry is really unique. I'm so glad you shared it with us. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, what a PRETTY post from beginning to end. You are so creative .... Your lavender cookie bars sound so good. It's impressive how you develop recipes.
ReplyDeleteYour plating is gorgeous. Love the bowl and plate.
What a fun post! You put such beautiful touches into everything you do - I love the presentation!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have had black cherry ice cream either but my favorite homemade float as a kid was ice cream in Shasta black cherry soda ;)
Wow! I'm loving your ideas. Thanks so much for sharing these great recipes. I miss my herb garden so much and look forward to beginning a new one in the coming months. I can smell your lavendar now:) Please join me beginning in August for Crock Pot Wednesdays at Diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Playinig Dishes. You should have plenty of snow to try out the snow ice cream. I like to make it with Eagle Brand milk.
ReplyDeleteNow I just came from a post as Big Black Dog that featured homemade black cherry ice cream. Did you two have that planned ahead?
ReplyDeleteEither way, now I have your lovely lavender cookies to serve with her ice cream. Life if good.
I discover your lovely blog... Merci!
ReplyDeleteGosh, this looks really pretty..
ReplyDeleteDebbie, those are so pretty. They sound delicious. I love your flower arangement.
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ReplyDeleteDebbie, those look delicious! Pinning!
ReplyDelete:) I missed a few!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty dessert!! Yum!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thank you Jenna!
DeleteWhat beautiful ice cream cookie bars you've made, Debbie! Your very own recipe for the bars, sounds wonderful. You and my mom share the same love of black cherry ice cream, which is always in her freezer.
ReplyDeleteI am buying some black cherry ice cream when we go to Maine next week! It's a must have for me and your mom has great taste :)
DeleteThese bars have to be delicious because they look so good! So glad you reposted, love all foods with lavender.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful Emily :-)
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