Today's lavender recipe spotlight comes from Produce on Parade. I love her verbal pictures she paints as she writes her recipe posts. Lavender works so beautifully in breakfast foods and baking, and these lavender blueberry muffins Produce on Parade has created are amazing. Check out their blog and enjoy some fresh inspiration. Happy Weekending! 

Recipe Link can be found HERE

Buy your own culinary lavender HERE

There are few things in life that I feel better about eating than Costco's quinoa salad. Its healthy, full of flavor, with a delicious good for you crunch. In case you don't have a Costco near you, or GASP! don't have a membership, never fear. We have come up with our own recipe for this delicious quinoa goodness. 

2 cups red and white quinoa (mixed)
1/3 cup tablespoon olive oil
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
1 cup cooked mung bean
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
2 tablespoons fresh kale, minced
salt and pepper

Rinse and boil your quinoa in 6 cups water with a spinkling of salt. Simmer on reduced heat for about 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and toss with olive oil. Add vinegar and lemon juice & zest. Mix in vegetables, beans, and herbs. Season to taste. Serve immediatley. 

1. 
   

Ok, after all of these easy no fuss recipes this week, its time to get inspired to get off our easy livin' butts and cook something with lavender that is a little bit more involved than throwing something in a slow cooker. Check out these amazing madeleines from Donna Hay!

I love this blog for so many reasons. The international vibe of the cooking being my primary crush. But these lavender spiced honey madeleines are definatley not your average cookie, and they are so beautiful too. Since we eat with our eyes before we taste with our mouths, I can't wait to try these. 

Give her blog some love and check out the recipe HERE. 

Have a great weekend! 

Rounding out this weeks recipe theme of easy week night meals for two, is this super simple slow cooker meal. When I am out of creativity at the end of a long day, or more importantly out of ingredients, The Lavender Apple's Herbs De Provence is a life saver. This little $5 bottle will last you several months and will save your dinner more times than you would like to admit. This herb blend has such amazing flavors, and will turn bland boring chicken into delicious morsels that will have you licking your lips for more. Whenever I'm throwing together a last minute meal, I usually am not hopeful for great results, but this herb saves me so often and has me thinking "Wow! This is amazing!" 

Tonight's easy meal for two idea is a quick crock pot meal for herbed chicken and potatoes. Any time you have a free second during the day, throw in some frozen chicken breasts, pop in a few red potatoes. Coat the entire thing with olive oil, salt, pepper, and then add the Herbs de Provence. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Adjust seasoning as needed. There you have it, a delicious and filling meal that took you less than 5 minutes to put together. Hope these easy meal ideas are helpful to all you busy momma's out there!