Heartfelt Tableau of Typical Persian Spices & Ingredients
Love is universal. Saints or sinners, we all love. One way or another. Love really is the answer. As Hafiz (Persian poet and mystic) said: “Go through this world giving love. Giving love.” And as The Beatles (Manchester poets and psychedilic mystics) said: Love, Love Me Do!
In honor of Saint Valentine’s Day, here is a roundup of three romantic Persian sweets that would be a treat to make and enjoy on the day much chocolate and flowers are sold and many people on earth celebrate love and romance.
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First up, is sohan ‘e assal. A toothsome (as in, you’d definitely need some teeth to enjoy it) Persian brittle candy made with sugar, honey, slivered almonds, pistachios and saffron. Could there be a more romantic ingredient listing? Je crois que non! Recipe’s here. Just add a pinch of boldness and you have a treat to nibble on and feed your object of ardent attention without worrying about napkins or pesky utensils.
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Giving sohan ‘e assal a run for romantic ingredients, this delicious banana chocolate chip muffin is Persianized using cardamom, rosewater and edible crushed rose petals.
Sigh. That IS romantic!
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And finally, tut, a Persian mulberry-shaped marzipan concoction made with sugar, rosewater, ground almonds, and cardamom – with slivers of pistachio for stems. A dainty and pretty pop of sweetness for you and your valentine to nibble on as you whisper sweet nothings to each other and gaze at your smart phones.
I submitted this recipe to Bizzy Lizzy’s Good Things Valentine’s Day Roundup – a post that I’ve spent a good amount of time gawking and drooling over. As Orgasmic Chef (blushing while typing – and why yes, I AM a prude) pointed out on Twitter, that post is liable to get someone pregnant this Valentine’s Day. It’s true! I can see that. So do check it out but do exercise caution.
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Have a lovely Valentine’s Day!
May you be struck by Cupid’s arrow if you’re not already.
Heart Heart Heart Love Love Love
