cupcake challenge ::: week 7 ~ mother's day

lavender relieves burns, stings, bites, headaches, allergies, and insomnia. it can stave off infection and clean wounds.  when i smell lavender it relaxes and comforts me. i turn to lavender for many of the things i would turn to my mom for when i was a child. and when i smell the sweet floral aroma of lavender i think of my mom.

lavender lemon cupcakes
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lavender buds
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

preheat oven to 350*F and line muffin tins with paper liners.

cream butter, sugar, and lavender buds on medium speed till fluffy.  add eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, hone and half-and-half and mix 2 minutes.  sift flour, baking powder and salt then mix into the wet ingredients.  fill the liners 3/4 full and bake for approximately 22 minutes.

lavender and lemon butter cream frosting
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
dash of salt
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3-4 cups powdered sugar
purple food dye
lavender essential oil

cream butter, cream cheese, honey, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and 3 cups powdered sugar.  mix in the heavy whipping cream.  add more powdered sugar to get the consistency desired.  scoop about 1/8 - 1/4 of the frosting to a separate glass or metal bowl and add dye and 1 drop of lavender essential oil.

i use organic lavender buds and essential oil.

plastic will hold the smell/flavour of the essential oil even after it is washed so use a metal or glass bowl.

one drop of essential oil is all that is needed so be careful not to add more. i will put a drop of lavender oil in the bowl before adding the frosting in case i get more then one by accident.  if i get too much i'll add a little water to the bowl, swirl it around, and then dump it out.  there will still be lavender in the bowl.  don't dry the bowl just add the frosting and dye. a little more powdered sugar might be needed to get the proper consistency.

you may want to rinse the bowl even with one drop of lavender; it can be strong. 

if any of y'all made cupcakes and want to swap recipes leave a link in the comments so i can come over and check it out.