Let us be clear here: no one (or almost no one) keeps lavender on hand – at least not in the typical U.S. home kitchen.

But it you want to have a special evening, and build it around a special theme (flavor), then lavender is a lovely choice if you use it sparingly. Give a hint of it in a roast chicken for dinner (though true Herbes de Provence does not include lavender), then a fuller dose in dessert (crème brûlée or ice cream). It is one fragrance that actually enhances dinner instead of detracting from it. Give it a try; you’ll see.

Love to Cook: Up for something different, and have plenty of time to source ingredients and prepare? How about a wild turkey with lavender masala. Pair with simple roast potatoes and a citrusy salad, then finish with honey lavender ice cream or lavender crème brûlée

Weeknight Reality: Melon salad with lavender and ginger can be either the start or finish or your otherwise-simple meal (roast chicken and buttered rice would do – seriously).

Need a Miracle: Lavender in a cocktail/mocktail is it. This Lavender spritzer can be made with either sparking water or sparkling wine. If you’re in a super rush, double the amount of lavender, skimp on the water, and chill the syrup with a couple of ice cubes. It won’t be as good as if you let it steep, but it will work. Dinner of cheese and bread and sausages, or perhaps a simple but dinner-worthy salad like this mixed green salad with pears, hazelnuts, blue cheese and homemade croutons (just skip roasting your own hazelnuts and making your own croutons and swap out something faster and pre-made).