Macarons can be one tough cookie. They are fickle and finicky and many things can go wrong while baking them. But never fear, with just a few simple tips, you can easily master these delicious and oh so trendy cookies. 

Start with aged egg whites. What does this mean? Leave your cracked eggs in a covered container for up to three days. This dehydrates them, so you have a stable and firm meringue. 

Your almond meal should be fine enough that you can sift it through a sieve. Most store bought almond flours are too course. The easiest fix? Give it a quick pulse through a food processor and you should be good to go. 

Liquid food coloring will alter the recipe more than you'd think. Make sure you use gel food coloring so your recipe stays true to its original balance. 

Once you've piped your macarons onto your baking sheet. I love to tap my baking sheet on the edge of the counter harshly to work out any remaining air bubbles. 

To prevent cracks in while baking, allow your piped macarons time to dry before backing. I suggest waiting at least 30 minutes, then just touch the top with your finger and if nothing sticks, you are good to go. 

Hopefully these tips gave you one or two ah-hah! moments. You can find Peggy's famous LAVENDER LEMON MACARON RECIPE HERE. Happy baking!

Lavender sugar can be used in many ways. My favorite use is in baking. It can be used to sweeten muffin or scone batter. Its beautiful sprinkled over rustic looking cookies. 

A common problem with lavender flavored sweets is that if overused, it can come off tasting a little soapy or perfume-like. But I'm sure you've eaten lavender sugar and actually really enjoyed. Lavender has a distinct floral flavor, with subtle hints of rosemary and mint. It's a wonderful flavor when used with restraint. 

Here are some tips when baking with lavender. 

• Use restraint. A little goes a long way. You want the flavor of your baked goods to be enhanced, not over powered. 
• Lavender and dairy are best friends. They marry well together. So start thinking icecreams, custards, shortbreads, anything with lots of butter. 
• Balance its notes with something bright like a light citrus juice or zest. 

Our culinary lavender sugar has the perfect blend of sugar to lavender ratio so you will never go wrong. Let us know what lavender adventures you have in your kitchen this week!

Find Lavender Sugar Online Here: 

http://www.thelavenderapple.com/culinary/lavender-sugar

It's that time of the week again. Time to round up some of the most creative and delicious lavender recipes from around the internet. Check out all of these two talented bloggers and chefs! 

If there is anything the Nelson family loves, its a good beignet. Living in France, they got their fix of them. But oh how wonderful do these Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets from Gringalicious look? I mean seriously, check out her site and make them. Like NOW. 

And yes, this does look quite ambitious, but its fitting because this wild blueberry coconut icecream is from Ambitious Kitchen. I am such a huge fan of theirs and this is just one more of their recipes that I have to add to my "to-do" list. 

Hope this gives you a little sweet inspiration for your weekend lavender adventures. Enjoy!

Arroz con pollo, or rice with chicken, is a traditional dish of spain and latin america. It is very similar to paella. Think of a large pan full of deliciously seasoned chicken, yellow rice, and a sprinkling of vegetables. This is the perfect satisfying meal for a crowd. 

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup olive oil

6 chicken thighs 

1/2 cup sofrito

1/4 cup pimento olives

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cloves

4 cups rice

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup roasted red peppers 

Directions: Add oil to a large pan with a lid.  Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown on all sides.  Remove the chicken and add olives and sofrito and stir.  Add cumin and cloves.  Mix in the rice and stir on high for 2 minutes.  Add chicken stock and cover for 20-30 minutes. Add peas with about 5-10 minutes left.  Garnish with canned roasted red bell peppers.

We hope you and your family enjoy this filling delicious and easy meal!