s newlyweds in our first house,
my husband and I were lucky to
have a generous Swedish neighbor, who brought us homemade
saffron buns each Christmas season.
The unexpected gift was enhanced by an
aura of mystique—she’s splurging with
saffron on us?! We felt special, and each
time I encounter the world’s costliest
spice, I think of her.
These golden saffron buns are tradi-
tionally served in Scandinavian countries
on St. Lucia Day. But saffron plays an
important role in food traditions of
other countries too, particularly in the
Mediterranean. Culinary anthropologist,
author and blogger Jenn Campus (jenn
campusauthor.com) discovered the
importance of saffron in Sardinian cui-
sine when she moved from Vermont to
the Italian island. “During festivals in
Sardinia, they serve saffron fried dough-
nuts,” she says. “It lends an earthy flavor
to balance the sweetness.” She incorpo-
rated the ingredient when adapting
Mad about
saf fron
This delicate spice provides
vibrant color, texture and
flavor to foods
by JENNIFER BABISAK
A
Prized spice
COSTCO
CONNECTION
Full-thread sa;ron
is available in
warehouses and
on Costco.com.
ABOVE: © DAVID BLAZQUEZ CEA / SHUT TERSTOCK, LEFT: COSTCO PHOTO STUDIO