This centuries -old ingredient is almost everything like the magic

It grew up in the near -east, my sister and I joked that our desserts were flavored with ingredients that sounded like a magical garden: mastic resin, rose water, Sahleb (actually orchid tubers). The orange -flowered water is directly at home, and despite its magical sound and even more magical aroma, it was always an everyday ingredient for us. This is increasingly everyday in the US – today, you can find bottles in mainstream grocery stores and online.

Orange -flowered water was likely to be part of our childhood imaginations, but this has long been a chamber link in Levant, Iran, Turkey and North -Fricika. After you start using it, one of this quiet basic basic, delicate but mysteriously transformative, adding something you can't name, but loves immediately. It is a powerful ingredient, much more versatile than at first glance, and you can find a welcome place for refreshing drinks, breakfast, salads and much more.

What is orange flower water?

It is distilled from flowers of bitter orange trees (also known as Seville orange trees) and can only transform a dish with a few drips. Although orange-flowered water can often be confused with rose water, lighter, finer and much less polarizing flore without grandmother's gilded lipstick notes. Profound Guide to the water of the orange flower It goes into great depth of history and its preparation.

While I personally enjoy the fierce taste of the rose water – for anyone who has sipped with an Amaro Montenegro or Turkish joy – I realize that this is not for everyone. Orange flower water is a milder introduction to flowering flavors. I especially like Cortas, the Lebanese brand, which is known for its high quality products.

Where orange flowers are used

Orange water is a key component of Qater, a thick, simple syrup that usually contains a lemon juice. The desserts of Qater flavors are similar knowledgeLayered between crispy fibers filled with beloved cheese (Phyllo-like) pasta. In Egypt, Basbousa Bel Ashta– An awesome cake – soaked in flower syrup and layered with a rich cut cream.

In the time of the ramadan limaFill with cheese or nuts and bake until the gold is immersed in the orange flower syrup pool while still warm. Fragrant water is also stars in chilled drinks such as khoshaf, made of dried apricots, dates, figs and nuts served in the Arab world as a refreshing, nutrient -rich method of breaking fasting.

Dessert

Qatayef (stuffed and fried pancakes)

Qatayef is one of the most important desserts in the Ramadan season in the Levant.

Cooking time:

3 hours 30 minutes

serve:

4–6

Although orange water is most often associated with sweets, it also plays a role in salty cooking, such as Moroccan BastilaFestive pie with spicy chicken or chicken, almonds and eggs, wrapped in fluffy dough, powdered with powdered sugar and cinnamon. There, they are often mixed into the filling and add a delicious flower contrast to wealth.

Whether in sweet syrups or tasty spicy meat fillings, it results in elegance and soft complexity. And improves without careless hands.

How to use orange flower water at home

While its roots have been old for centuries, orange -flowered water works nicely in modern cooking and less traditional applications. If you don't know it yet, go lightly – make a little way. Here are some of your favorite ways to use it:

• Add a Splash lemonade or sparkling water. The Citrus-Floral note makes even the simplest drinks more interesting.
• Use in desserts like rice puddingTo custardor cheesecake– mixed into the base, infusing the fine perfume, which is nicely coupled with vanilla, honey or citrus fruits.
• Make a flower simple syrup. Stir in the equal part of the sugar and water, heat until the sugar is dissolved and, if it cools, add a little orange flower water (1 teaspoon at a time). Use this syrup to sweeten the cocktails and sprayOr
• Mix a tiny amount of lemon grape– This is an unexpected screw that works particularly on salads with bitter greens, fennel or fruits.
• If you feel a little extra breakfast in your breakfast, heat a little maple syrup with a little orange flower water and sift over pancakes or waffles. He was crushed on top with pistachio for a moment loosely Baklava.
• And then there is the simplest use – something my mom made for us: a cold water jug administered with an orange -flowered splash, decorated with fresh mint and lemon slices. Think of the cucumber spa, but with a floral, princess-dignified update.

Only a few drops should be this special ingredient to bring a gently compelling note to anything. After opening it, store the bottle in a cool, dark place. It stays well, but once you start experimenting with it, it won't last too long.