Shortbread cookie a sweet way to try rosewater
When it comes to romance, there can be no better floral answer than the rose. The bold red petals entice the eyes from across the room, while that intoxicating fragrance draws you closer … closer …just a little closer until you find yourself burying your nose in the lush petals, ignorant to the thorns piercing your skin because your eyes are closed and your heart is going pitter-patter.
But, ah, to taste a rose. This is the flavor of love. And it's waiting patiently for you in the international aisle of your supermarket in a small bottle of rosewater.
One whiff of the stuff and you'll be transported to another time and place. You'll go to ancient Persia where the royals perfumed their skin, courts and pilafs with it. You'll dream of the Middle East where rosewater anoints flaky pastries and chewy nougats. You'll be transported to India where creamy ice creams and puddings burst with a floral bounty. And you'll swoon over Muslim, Hindu and Eastern Orthodox religious sites around the world, where the refreshing scent cleanses and blesses sacred grounds. Rosewater was even used at the finest bakeries in Paris once upon a time, before vanilla beans became the essence of choice in baking.
Made from distilling real rose petals, rosewater is an easy way to add a touch of the exotic to your cooking. A few drops in whipped cream or rice pudding transform the mundane to the sublime. Any strawberry, raspberry or rhubarb dessert bursts with the essence of springtime when sprinkled with a little rosewater.
Another classic combination is rosewater, cardamom and pistachio, which flavors many Persian ice creams. Try adding the trio to readymade vanilla ice cream at home! And if that sounds too exotic, try it paired with another more familiar soul mate, lemon, as I do in these easy shortbread cookies. They're sure to add a touch of romance to your kitchen (and hopefully, your life!).
• Food Network star Aarti Sequeira is the author of “Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul.” She blogs at AartiPaarti.com.