| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 455 | 12g | 6g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 41g | 2.5g | 9g | 0.38g |
One of my most cherished recipes from the alpine lands of Colorado is the Rosemary Lavender Bread. There’s something astonishingly wholesome about it, an amalgamation of rustic charm with modern aesthetic appeal, a true representation of the mountain life I love and cherish. This delightful recipe combines the freshness of rosemary, the aromatic hints of lavender, and the succulent sweetness of fruits, all bundled into a comforting, home-baked bread.
Why do I hold this recipe so dear? As a man from the cradle of the Rockies, I’m deeply connected to the great outdoors– the lush greenery, crisp mountain air, and clear flowing streams. The Rosemary Lavender Bread recipe brings all these elements to my kitchen. Interestingly enough, this recipe marries an array of artifacts not only from the Colorado landscape but perhaps surprisingly, elements more commonly associated with the Mediterranean, such as rosemary and lavender.
Adventure into a Festival of Flavors
Do you remember the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your grandmother’s kitchen? Or the intoxicating scent of flowering lavender fields during summer trips to the countryside? This bread tries to package all those memories into its folds. Impressively, it achieves that, and so much more.
Our Rosemary Lavender Bread recipe is more than just a sum of its ingredients; it’s an experience, an adventure into a festival of flavors. The rosemary contributes an earthy, pine-like flavor, while the lavender infuses the bread with a hint of mint and light floral notes. The addition of fruit brings a little sweetness that’s carefully balanced by the tang of the buttermilk. And the optional glaze of honey? That’s like a sunrise on a frosty morning – warm, golden, sweet, making everything else it touches glow.
A Treat for the Body and Soul
Not only is the Rosemary Lavender Bread a treat for the taste buds, but it also does wonders for your health. The rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can boost your immune system and improve blood circulation. Then there’s the lavender; far beyond simply a pleasant aroma, it’s known for its stress-relieving properties. Adding variety to the mix, we have the fruit. Whether you choose apples, pears, or peaches, all of these options provide a generous dose of essential vitamins and dietary fiber. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s good news for you as well; honey is an excellent natural sweetener packed with antioxidants.
For a complete meal, I often pair this bread with a creamy trout soup or a venison dish with a berry sauce. Both of these dishes harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the Rosemary Lavender Bread and amplify the feeling of a hearty, mountainside-thrilling meal.
My partner Gordon loves the warm slices with a mug of turmeric tea during the cold Colorado evenings. Altogether, this meal becomes more than just sustenance. It encapsulates a piece of my life, my love for nature, and the stories I’ve gathered from various corners of the world. That’s the beauty of food, and that’s why the Rosemary Lavender Bread recipe has a special place in my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit of your choice (like apples, pears, or peaches)
- 1/4 cup honey for glazing (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step Four
Add the chopped fresh rosemary and dried lavender buds into the batter. Mix gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step Five
Fold in the chopped fresh fruit of your choice. Be careful not to overmix the batter to retain the fruit’s texture.
Step Six
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step Eight
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Nine (optional)
If desired, while the bread is still warm, you can brush some honey on top for extra sweetness and shine. Your Rosemary Lavender Bread is now ready to serve and enjoy!
