Secrets of Saffron: The Vagabond Life of the World's Most Seductive Spice

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Beacon Press, Apr 11, 2002 - Cooking - 240 pages
Pat Willard's enticing exploration of the exotic spice saffron describes its journey from the ancient Sumerian kingdoms, Persia, and the island of Crete to the Pennsylvania Dutch in America. Through a beautiful blend of personal stories, myths, history, quotations, ancient remedies, and modern recipes, Willard takes us from Cleopatra's bath to the medieval court of France and beyond. A practical guide to buying, using, and even growing saffron as well as a cookbook containing recipes ranging from Paella Valenica to Saffron Consommé, this magical account is perfect for anyone who has ever been teased by this seductive spice.
 

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Contents

The Heart of the Matter
1
Heaven and Earth
10
The Artists Palette
21
Travels with the Scholar and the Merchant
41
The Invading Hordes
61
For God and King
75
Death Was Meant for This
96
The Making of a Town
110
Fare Thee Well
132
Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran
147
The Saffron Fields of Brooklyn
185
A Short Guide to Buying and Using Saffron
200
Index
217
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About the author (2002)

Pat Willard is the author of Pie Every Day and A Soothing Broth. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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