Summer 2023

In the kitchen

The Lilacs that surround our property are starting to bloom here in our little corner of the world. Lilacs are that beautiful signal that summer is beginning to unfold. They make me nostalgic with childhood memories of coming in from playing outside to see a vase spilling over with fresh-cut lilacs from my Mom’s garden, effortlessly elegant on the counter. The smell is wonderful, but what about the taste? Did you know that the petite blooms are edible? If you taste them right off the stem you’ll find the flavor is bitter and sharp, not worthy of the delightful scent. The key to unlocking the delicately floral and sweet flavor of lilacs is to infuse it. So here are a few ideas from my garden to yours.

 

L I L A C G I N S O U R

INGREDIENTS

4 cl gin

2 cl lemon juice

2 cl lilac syrup (recipe below)

1 egg white

Ice

Lilac blossoms, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a shaker, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lilac syrup and gin.

  2. Add the egg white and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well, until chilled and frothy.

  3. Pour into a cocktail glass using a cocktail strainer and decorate with lilac blossoms. Håper det smaker (directly translates to: hope it tastes, in Norwegian!)

 

L I L A C S Y R U P

makes 400 ml (or about 1 2/3 cup)

I’m going to be straight with you: this is labor intensive. But I promise that it will be worth it. So find your favorite spot outside and sit for 20 minutes with your hands in a bowl of fragrant and beautiful lilac blossoms. It’s important to choose lilacs from an organic bush that hasn’t been sprayed with anything. When harvesting take care to cut branches from different areas of the bush, this will ensure that the bush continues to thrive in the future. Choose blossoms that are fresh and not beginning to wilt.

INGREDIENTS

Syrup

1 1/2 cup lilac blossoms (this is where you find your nice spot outside and begin to pluck)

1 cup (235 g) sugar

1 cup water

splash of lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Simple Syrup

  1. Remove the individual blossoms from the stems, making sure to remove all the leaves. Rinse the flowers in a strainer with cold water and put the clean flowers in a large bowl.

  2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and let the mixture come to a boil. Stir until the sugar has melted and the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes)

  3. Add a splash of lemon juice.

  4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour over the lilacs. Let this sit out and steep for 2 hours. Then cover the bowl and place in the fridge for another 12-24 hours to infuse.

  5. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid. Press the lilacs with a spoon to make use of all the liquid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep for a few days. It’s also possible to freeze the syrup for later use.

Lilac blossoms in a bowl
 

Going Outside

L A V E N D E R F I E L D S

Lavender Hill Farm in Northern Michigan

L A V E N D E R - ROSEMARY L E M O N A D E

makes 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 c fresh lemon juice

1 c sugar

2 sprigs rosemary

2 tablespoons dried lavender

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar with the lid sealed. Shake for 1 minute. Let the mixture infuse for one hour.

  2. Strain the mixture and combine in a pitcher with ice and 6 cups of water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Mom’s Lavender

A M E R I C A N P I E S

Did you know that I bake and sell pies in Elverum, Norway? Available seasonal flavors: rhubarb, strawberry-rhubarb, apple, banana-cream, & chocolate. Send me a message to order one: 482 55 665 / katherine.brines@gmail.com

 

July Happenings

IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

JULY 4th: I’ll be at the Harbor Springs Art Fair in Zorn Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a new series of original paintings: CAMP inspired by all things nostalgic americana + northern michigan

JULY 21st: I’ll be popping up at the most charming country store around: The Horton Bay General Store representing myself and fellow artist, Larissa Flynn, from 3 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with paintings from my PLYA series: original paintings inspired by a changing landscape. Located at 5115 Boyne City Rd. Boyne City, MI 49712

C O M E A N D S A Y H E L L O!

Artist Katie Brines sitting in a green dress
 

IN THE HOME

Summer Rain, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on a tan canvas

Violaceae, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on tan canvas

 

On The Line, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on tan canvas

“In the summertime when the weather is high, you can stretch right up and touch the sky”
— Mungo Jerry
Katie BrinesComment