Bridal Shower!

I'm a little late on this one, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the AMAZING bridal shower that my bridesmaids and family hosted for me on the 16th of August. I went into the shower not knowing anything about the day, but I think that made it all the more awesome because everything was a surprise. 

The best surprise was the cookbook that all the attendees compiled for me with family recipes and the special stories behind them. I can't wait to make all the recipes and share in the memories of the recipes. :)

All photos are courtesy of Dad, who is officially a shutterbug ever since he got his new camera.

Wearing my snazzy bow hat that Jess made for me.

Carmeline's handmade favors.

The bridal party!

Cheers!

Andy joined the party after the ladies had all the fun.

Andy's mom made cookies (including the lovely Lola cookie in the middle)!

I <3 sunflower decorations.

It was a wonderful day, and I felt so loved. I can't believe it's only 46 days until the wedding!!

I'm back! (and lavender simple syrup)

Friends, friends, friends. I am back from the depths of conferences and wedding planning to bring you a recipe that is entirely summer: simple and fresh. Things have been super crazy here at S&C, as I've gone to two conferences, spent a weekend back in PA, gone on a mini-vacation to Portland and run two 10Ks and an 8K. Phew! This weekend was very low-key, and I'm grateful for the chance to take it easy!

One of my favorite parts of summer is growing herbs on our back porch. Andy and I are really lucky that we are able to have a little bit of our own outdoor space in the middle of a city. We can eat outside at our patio table and enjoy our garden and a nice breeze.

This year, we are growing cherry tomatoes (bruschetta!), basil (pesto!), peppermint (flavored water!), Thai basil (stir frys!), rosemary (everything!), lemon thyme (cake!), and lavender (?!). Lavender is totally new to me, but I figured it would be a fun challenge to use it in my cooking. So far, I have made lemon-lavender tea cakes that were devoured by my labmates as well as lavender simple syrup, which I am going to share with you.

Why was I not aware that simple syrups are so...simple? And that you can flavor them with WHATEVER you want! We have a SodaStream, and I can't wait to make my own lavender soda. And lavender lemonade. And lavender everything.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Science & Cupcakes Original

Makes 1.5 cups

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1.5 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers/buds (you could also use dried lavender if you don't have fresh)

Instructions

Combine water, sugar, and lavender in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Using a fine strainer, remove the lavender leaves from the syrup. Let syrup cool completely, and store in an airtight vessel.