TGRWT#6 Apples and Lavender

O.k...well this is actually the first time I have participated in They Go Really Well Together but it was great fun. Usually, because I love to bake I do sweets or breads but since I had just finished the Pear Tarts with Lavender Creme Anglaise yesterday I thought another sweet with a similar combination would be overkill. Plus all the blogs I visited that had participated had used all of the ideas I had!! Great minds, right?
This month, TGRWT is hosted by one of my favorites,Vanielje Kitchen. There is still a little time left if you want to head over there and get the rules and try it yourself.
Anyway, I came up with several ideas, many that you will be seeing here and at Baking Delights over the next few months, like apple and lavender jam, lavender and white chocolate lemon bars...and others..and no, I am not going to give away my ideas this early!
This is simple and went together quickly. I made it early for dinner tonight, so I don't have input form the family yet but I took a taste and found it to be delicious. :)


3-4 chicken breasts with skin and bones
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges (I used Granny Smith)
1 yellow onion, sliced in crescents
1 cup free range chicken broth (it has a better flavor!)
1 tbs cider vinegar
3 Tbs edible lavender flowers
1 tsp tarragon
1/4 c calvados or apple cider

Melt butter and olive oil in large skillet. Brown chicken on all sides getting good color. Remove chicken from pan, do not discard fat. Cool, skin and debone it.Cut on the diagonal. Add apples, onions, and 2 tbs of the lavender to pan. Cook slowly until apples are nearly tender. Remove from pan. Heat pan and deglaze with vinegar, calvados, remaining 1 tbs of lavender, tarragon, and chicken broth. Add apple mixture and chicken back in and simmer until sauce is reduced and chicken is cooked through. Serves 6 to 8