lavender scented "summer" fruit salad

I've had this recipe bookmarked for awhile now. The reason I put summer in quotes is because this salad uses summer fruits like stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, plums) and berries (well, depending where you are).

Well, by the time, the stone fruits are here, we won't have any berries in the markets, that is just how our fruits are sold here.

On top of that, the white peaches in Japan are something you'd want to eat "as is", no extra additions to them, they are THAT good.

So, anyway, the weather was summer-ish on Thursday, and I thought, it was a good chance to try this.

Here is the recipe if you'd like to try it this summer:

Lavender Scented Summer Fruit Salad : "Health" July/August 2009
Syrup:
2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
3/4 teaspoons dried lavender (culinary)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
pinch salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Salad:
1 peach, 1/2-inch thick wedges
1 nectarine, 1/2-inch thick wedges
1 plum, 1/2-inch thick wedges
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
3/4 cup bluberries
1 tablespoon mint

Combine honey, 1/3 cup water, lavender, pepper & salt
Bring to a simmer until honey dissolves
Let steep 10-15 minutes
Strain lavender, add lime juice

Toss fruits with syrup
Chill 1 hour or longer

Serving size: 1.25 cup

NOTES: I used 1 grapefruit, a handful of strawberries, handful of dried cherries & handful of dried blueberries. I think the blueberries and cherries made the syrup turn dark in color.

I made the full recipe for the syrup using agave nectar. When I tossed my salad, I only used 3 tablespoons of the syrup for my salad. I didn't have lime on hand, only 3 tiny sudachi, so I used that.

I liked the flavors, the lavender was present but not overpowering.

I'd make this again.

p.s. so much for summer...we've hit a cold snap and our temps have dropped...brr!