STRAWBERRIES WITH LEMON SUGAR AND LAVENDER SYRUP

Strawberries with Lemon Sugar and Lavender Syrup image

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

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1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms*
3 1-pound containers strawberries, hulled, sliced
Crème fraîche or sour cream

Steps:

Mash 1/3 cup sugar and lemon peel in small bowl to blend well. (Lemon sugar can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.)
Bring 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, honey, and lavender to boil in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until lavender flavor is pronounced, about 3 minutes. Strain syrup into small bowl. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature. Rewarm syrup before continuing.)
Place berries in large bowl. Pour warm syrup over berries; stir to coat. Divide berries and syrup among 8 bowls. Spoon crème fraîche over berries, sprinkle with lemon sugar, and serve immediately.
*Available at natural foods stores and some farmers' markets.