(#36) SAFFRON: Luxury Threads

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice. This is because each "thread" or stigma must be hand picked off its flowering plant, the crocus sativus. Taking more than 225,000 stigmas to produce one pound of saffron threads. Sounds luxurious right? The taste is really hard to describe! Some people think it is bitter and spicy but I find it to be slightly sweet and woodsy. Best way to find out is to add a small amount in a dish or better yet, your next ice cream flavor! Maybe have a scoop after eating a big bowl of paella? Anyone?

above photo : pleasehelpmerhonda.com

Scoopsies' Saffron Ice Cream

(yields about 1 quart)

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon guar powder

1/2 teaspoon (packed very loose) saffron threads

The scoop on saffron.

(#21) CREAMSICLE: Sweet Citrus

I can't wait for Summer, mainly because I've been craving those creamsicle pops from the ice cream truck.  If you like those, you'll love Scoopsies' creamsicle ice cream!

Scoopsies' Creamsicle Ice Cream
yields about 1.5 quarts

1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

zest of one orange

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 egg yolks

pinch of salt