Sometimes the morning toast doesn’t have the magic you want? We fall into the same patterns of eating so quickly, putting the same processed peanut filling we’ve always used on a piece of bread while browsing through our phones. So what if you could replace that whole thing for something that’s really luxurious, and you can make it in your kitchen? Now try to picture a spread that tastes as rich, vivid and fragrant as a fine cup of java before you’ve even had the first sip. It’s simply the perfect marriage when toasty, nutty goodness meets the fame of the crimson spice threads.
Let’s take a closer look at the saffron story to find out why this is such a special combination. For thousands of years, people handcrafted these tender threads from the center of the purple crocus flowers; they only need 10,000 flowers to fill a small jar! It extends back to ancient times when kings and queens dyed their robes with it, perfumed their baths and flavoured their most luxurious feast dishes. Enabling you to add this golden element to bake-in products or breakfast spreads, you’re not simply creating a tasty treat, but you’re also tapping into a culinary legacy that has been a staple for luxury dishes on continents all around for centuries.
The Golden Almond Saffron Blend
Almonds are a wonderful blank slate on which the individual aroma of the spice can stand out without battling for attention. Almonds have a rich texture when ground because of the natural oils they contain. These oils, when ground, render the nuts silky smooth and feel heavy and indulgent on the tongue. When combined with a touch of cardamom and honey, you have the perfect mix of the classic flavors of festive sweets, all in one spot—right from a jar.
- Gather two cups of unsalted raw almonds, a generous pinch of good quality crimson threads or about 20 pieces (about ½ tsp), half a teaspoon of ground cardamom and a tiny pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Take your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the almonds on a baking sheet so that they are evened out – roast them for approximately 10 minutes, or until they become a warm, golden, nutty colour with a pleasant aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- Grind until smooth: Add the warm almonds to your food processor and pulse on high for 8-10 minutes, breaking down the powder and then making it run smoothly like a thick paste and eventually a shiny oily liquid.
- Add royal flavours: In the last sixty seconds, add the cardamom and stir in the royal flavours your spice threads by crushing them in a fine powder using your fingers; the heat released from this process will extract the bright yellow colour from the royal flavours.
The Royal Cashew Pistachio Dream
Cashews and pistachios are your ticket to a spread with absolute royal flavor. The cashews add an unmatched buttery creaminess that lessens the need for added oils, and the pistachios add a lovely green speckle and a unique flavor. This particular blend is perfect for dipping in fresh fruit slices, for adding to warm oatmeal, or for scooping right from the spoon as a quick and simple sweet treat.
- Measure out ingredients: You’ll need one cup of raw cashews, one cup of shelled raw pistachios, a quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, two tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and a generously crushed pinch of saffron nut butter threads mixed in a teaspoon of warm water.
- Gently warm the nuts: Heat the cashews and pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are hot, but not burnt, to taste for about 4 or 5 minutes, flicking the pan constantly to ensure even heating and to release the aromatic oils of the nuts.
- Melt until creamy liquid: As the mixture warms, it will start to melt, so transfer it directly to your heavy-duty blender; blend on high until it forms a thick, smooth paste that flows easily around the blades and is creamy in texture.
- Add the golden aromatics: Reduce the speed of your machine and gently pour in the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and your brightly coloured yellow spice solution; lower your machine to mix the colours evenly and to ensure the mixture is uniform.
How to use and store your creations
With these jars of liquid gold on your counter, how do you give yourself pleasure? Although it’s absolutely delicious in simple bread slices, don’t restrain yourself from adding them to other slices. Use a huge spoonful for warm morning porridge, spoon onto fluffy weekend pancakes or as a rich filling between layers of a home bake sponge cake. It’s even possible to add a spoonful to warm milk flavored with dark brown sugar for a cozy end-of-day snack.
Proper storage will allow you to keep this precious, expensive smell for as long as possible. Fill glass jars, make sure they are clean and dry, and cap tightly to prevent moisture from entering. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months or at room temperature to be spread easily for up to three weeks. Only keep in mind that natural oils will solidify if you chill them, so, if you’re looking to serve the oil, let a jar sit out on your kitchen counter for 15 minutes. A jar gift with a neighbor or friend is a really memorable, meaningful gifting experience, an execution of “home-made” that is completely new.