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  • RESOURCES
    • Canning
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Lilac Benefits & Recipes

5/16/2024

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Lilacs boast a plethora of health benefits:

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  1. ​Immune Support: Lilac's antioxidants bolster the immune system by safeguarding immune cells, potentially enhancing their function, and aiding in the body's defense against infections and illnesses.
  2. Antioxidant Protection: Abundant in flavonoids and polyphenols, lilacs combat harmful free radicals, mitigating oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of chronic ailments such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
  3. Stress Relief: Renowned for its calming fragrance, lilacs offer stress relief and mood improvement. Lilac essential oil or absolute is utilized in aromatherapy to induce relaxation, diminish anxiety, and uplift mood.
  4. Skin Health: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, lilacs protect the skin from various environmental stressors, stimulate collagen production, and aid in skin repair, contributing to overall skin health.
  5. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Certain lilac compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may alleviate conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation in the body.
  6. Respiratory Benefits: In traditional medicine, lilacs have been utilized to address respiratory issues like coughs and congestion. Lilacs' anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may soothe respiratory symptoms and promote lung health.


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This batch took 2-3 days to air dry.
AIR DRIED LILAC PETALS
This is, probably, the easiest experiment that I did with the lilacs. The most tedious part was pulling off all the little petals.
  • Spread them out, in a single layer, onto a parchment lined tray or cookie sheet.
  • Set in an area that won't get a lot of sun, but is warm enough to air dry without molding.
  • Setting in the sun or heat drying them in a dehydrator/oven would be too hot and could alter the color and then aroma.

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LILAC OIL INFUSION
INGREDIENTS
  • Fresh lilac flowers and leaves
  • Carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil)
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Place petals of the lilacs in a glass jar.
  2. Pour the carrier oil over the lilacs until they are fully submerged.
  3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow the infusion to develop.
  4. After the infusion period, strain out the flowers and leaves from the oil.


LILAC TONER
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Lilac blossoms and leaves possess astringent qualities, which can help to firm and mildly dry the skin, making them beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Try preparing the Lilac Toner provided below, or simply apply Lilac Infusion to your face after cleansing.
​Lilac also serves as an excellent tonic for both hair and scalp. Gently massage Lilac Infusion onto your scalp to fortify your hair from the roots and alleviate dandruff concerns.
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All you need to make this is 2 simple ingredients, a quart size mason jar, and a few weeks for it infuse.
  1. Fill a jar with lilac blossoms, picked on a dry sunny day. Cover the flowers with 100% witch hazel. Place in a cool dark place that is easily accessible since you will need to shake it daily.
  2. After a few weeks (or longer if you want), strain into a clean jar and label. If kept in a cool dark place, this will last six months or longer.
TO USE: On clean dry skin, apply your toner with a cotton pad. No need to rinse. Follow with your usual skin care routine.

LILAC INFUSED HONEY
Creating lilac-infused honey is a delightful way to capture the essence of this fragrant flower. Here's how to make it:
  • Fresh lilac blossoms (ensure they are pesticide-free)
  • Honey (preferably raw and unfiltered)
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Begin by gently rinsing the lilac blossoms to remove any dirt or debris. Allow them to air dry completely.
  2. Once the blossoms are dry, pluck the individual flowers from the stems, discarding any green parts.
  3. Place the lilac blossoms into a clean, dry glass jar.
  4. Pour the honey over the lilac blossoms until they are completely submerged.
  5. Use a clean utensil, such as a chopstick or skewer, to gently stir the honey and lilac blossoms together, ensuring that the blossoms are evenly distributed throughout the honey.
  6. Seal the jar tightly with a lid and store it in a cool, dark place for about 1-2 weeks to allow the flavors of the lilac to infuse into the honey. The petals will rise to the top, so twice a day I would turn the jar over to get some movement in the mixture. You can also stir with a skewer or chopstick, but I didn't want to chance getting any contaminants in the jar. You can taste-test the honey after a week to see if the desired level of flavor has been achieved.
  7. Once the infusion period is complete, strain the honey through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lilac blossoms. Press down on the blossoms gently to extract as much infused honey as possible.
  8. Transfer the strained lilac-infused honey into a clean, dry jar or container for storage.
  9. Label the jar with the date of preparation and enjoy your homemade lilac-infused honey drizzled over toast, stirred into tea, or used in various culinary creations.
This lilac-infused honey adds a delicate floral flavor to any dish and makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with this unique and flavorful creation!
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This picture was taken the day I combined them together.
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This is 4 days later. - Still has quite a ways to go.
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Lemon Créme Handpies

5/3/2020

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One thing I love about this recipe is that you can use any canned compot, or you can make your own. You can even make it sugar free version with a sugar free filling.

The other thing I love about this recipe is that it is simple and something I can make quickly but it's made to look like I spent all day on them. These would be great for a potluck or a quick dessert to take to someone's house for dinner. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!

INGREDIENTS
1 14.1oz package refrigerated Pillsbury Pie Crust
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 cup Lemon Créme Filling
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1/8 tsp shortening

DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 425.
  2. Bring pie crust to room temperature. Unroll one pie crust on a floured surface.
  3. Prepare egg wash by lightly beating together the egg and the water, set aside.
  4. On the first sheet of pie crust, lightly stamp (just to give you an idea of where to put the Lemon Créme). Place a teaspoonful of the Lemon Créme in the center of each of the lightly outlined circles.
  5. Unroll 2nd pie crust and lightly place on top of the 1st one with the fillings. Using a 2.5" Ravioli Stamp to cut & seal crust into circles, carefully stamp out each pie making sure to keep the Lemon Créme "bump" in the middle of the stamp. Place each pie on a parchment lined cookie tray about 1" apart.
  6. Once they are all cut out, you can take the remaining dough and roll it out to make a few more. You should get about 14-18 pies total.
  7. Generously brush the tops of each pie with egg wash. Using a pairing knife, carefully a small X onto the tops of each pie. Bake pies for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
  8. In a small bowl, melt white chocolate and vegetable shortening together. Drizzle white chocolate over pies. Let set completely before storing.
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Oatmeal Cookie Hand Scrub

12/7/2014

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INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cup finely ground oats

1/3 cup coconut oil

2 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp 100% pure lanolin (optional)

4 tbsp castor oil (or sweet almond oil)

1/3 cup brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

In a medium size bowl combine ground oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar. In a smal, microwave safe, bowl combine coconut oil, lanolin, and castor oil. Microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time until coconut oil is melted. Stir oils and pour on to oats, and mix thoroughly to combine. Spoon mixture into airtight container. I put ours in a wide mouth pint size jar.

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DIY Sugar Lip Scrub

4/27/2014

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Getting ready for a DIY Mother's Day Spa Gift Giving this year. One of the things I am making is a Lip Sugar Scrub. In this recipe I am using 4 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, 1/3 cup White Sugar, 3 tbsp Coconut Oil, 3 tbsp Honey, 6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil, and 9 drops Citrus Essential Oil. Stir everything to combine, let it sit for a little while before putting them into small jars. There might be a little separation, so before putting in jars, stir again.

I have already used a little bit to test it out and it works really good.
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To make a spa style gift here are some suggestions of what to include:
  • Lavender Bath Fizzies
  • Peppermint Lip Scrub
  • Lip Balms
  • Herb Soaps
  • Whipped Body Butter
  • CD with Relaxing Music
  • Chocolate Treats (because what woman doesn't like chocolate) :)
All of these are pretty simple to make. I would suggest having a girl party, buying everything in bulk (split the cost with your friends) and make these together. You'll have fun making these with friends and coming up with new Spa Gifts together.


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