Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
You can put vanilla in all kinds of things and you won’t go wrong, but vanilla with lavender and citrus? This is a winning combination. I think it might be some kind of holy trifecta; at the very least it’s Three Musketeers status.
Burnt sugar syrup is a great way to create "instant aged" liquors, flavor homemade bitters, or simply add depth and complexity to cocktails. (Plus: a chance to win the new, awesomely geeky cocktail science book Craft Cocktails at Home!)
Making your own Chinese hot chili paste (la jiao jiang)which is perfect in Lanzhou pulled noodle soup. It's also great for spicing up a stir fry or as a dumpling dipping sauce.