Summer Essentials

I have five recent obsessions for Spring/ Summer.

1) Tea infused with saffron

Krocus Kozanis Products Tea from Greece

Surprisingly Greek saffron is considered to be some of the best quality saffron in the world. Ok, this might be according to the greeks and I think they might have a battle to fight with Kashmir as I know that Saffron from Kashmir is exquisite as well. Yet, the Greeks have enough things on their plates so I'll give this one to them.

Over 20 species of saffron are native to Greek flora. Saffron has significant antioxidant properties which protect against free radicals and contribute to good health and well being. It is supposed to help with digestion and improve brain function and memory. My Indian friend just told me her new thing is to add a few strands of saffron to her tea. The same week I found a tea that already had a few strands in it. Voila! This tea, Krocus Kozanis, is in Paris health food stores and can be found at my favorite Pousse Pousse in the 9eme, Paris or off Rue de Buci at the health food store there. It's 6.50€ for a box of about 12. The one i like is orange, honey, and  saffron. http://www.biodiet.eu/prod-Infusion-Safran-Bio-Miel-KROCUS-KOZANIS-refKROMIE.html

2) Beet Ricotta Ravioli's

I tried these for the first time at Le Bon Marche- the very upscale super market in Paris. I loved them. The ricotta is creamy and rich yet not overly heavy and the beet adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful summer color. I have yet to re-create them at home but I can't wait to experiment. I just discovered a great blog http://lisaiscooking.blogspot.fr and she has a fabulous recipe for Beet Ravioli's as well as one for Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli's which sound delicious as well.

Le Bon Marche
24 Rue De Sevres, Paris 76006
01 44 39 80 00

3) Fruit Flavored Water



What is better than being in a spa, outside by the pool, feet up on the lounge chair relaxing with your eyes closed waiting to be tapped on the shoulder by your masseuse and sipping slowly on water with few slices of cucumber in it? It's my favorite. It's refreshing, different and fresh. I remember the first time I served cucumber slices in water at a dinner party and the shocked look I got when I placed the glass in front of some of my Intl friends. This summer, per the advice of my favorite blog (A Cup of Joe) why not add a few slices of watermelon, strawberries, pineapple or clementine to your water to make it even more delicious and refreshing. Sounds delicious on a hot summer day or at a BBQ no?

4) Wild Flower Ice Cubes

If you read my blog then you know I am pretty much in love with edible flowers. Edible flowers and white truffle oil. I guess you could say I use a bit toooo much of both of these in my cooking but they both are amazing in my book. Reading about wild flower ice cubes on A Cup of Joe via Martha Stewarts tips got me thinking and I can't wait to try them. I also can't wait to send this tip to my sister as she told me last week while we were having dinner on her terrace that she needs to take cooking classes to perfect her transformation into Martha. She has a slight obsession to say the least :) I have a heart shaped ice tray that would work perfectly with this idea. Here is the "how to" from Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/348299/floral-ice-cubes

5) Rose water

Rosewater is my new thing for sure. A friend of mine from Chennai spoke very highly of it and after a trip to Morocco I decided to bring back a few bottles as it was certainly going to be cheaper there than in Paris. Rose water is quite fragrant and gives a floral, bright and luxurious flavoring to Indian and Middle Eastern Cuisines. I adore Iranian cuisine and they use it quite frequently. My new obsession is making ricotta beet ravioli's and adding rosewater to the butter sage sauce. Yummm.. Rose water is also a great product to use for ski cleansing as well and it has been thought since the middle centuries to have various health benefits as well.