Cherry-Lavender Soda

So dreary outside! But it's a sunny party in our kitchen with these sodas, made with fresh and local cherries. I also wanted an excuse to use these pink and white paper straws -- aren't they cute?

First, at least a day before you want to make the soda, make some lavender syrup. This is handy to have around for cocktails and lemonade, too. Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Transfer this to a charming glass jar and add a bunch of backyard French lavender blossoms -- as many as possible. Seal the jar and let those fragrant flowers infuse the syrup.

Pit and puree the cherries, and simmer the puree on the stove until it reduces by half. Let it cool. Into a tall glass goes about 1/4 cup cherry reduction. Top with club soda, and add strained lavender syrup to taste. Then a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream for that nostaglic, creamy, bubbly A&W/Dairy Queen-style sensation.