Celebration: Ice in Paradise, Happy 50th, Award Time

Time to celebrate. I’ve made “Yakh Dar Behesht,” Persian for “Ice in Paradise,” using a recipe from the amazing Fae. Look at these delicate beauties! That is enough reason for celebration.

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Jeweled Saffron & Cardamom Rice with Sultanas, Pomegranate & Almond Slivers

For a long time, I’ve been craving a Persian-style jeweled rice with colorful bites of fruit and nuts and savory spices. I adapted this dish from a recipe in The Spice Merchant’s Daughter, a book I treasure for its beautifully alluring, always aromatic, and surprisingly simple recipes. Since the whole family devoured this alongside the Lemon, Saffron & Paprika Roasted Chicken Thighs, I think I need to make this again — soon.

Lemon, Saffron & Paprika Roasted Chicken Thighs

I love that this recipe achieves juicy, flavorful chicken and a nicely crisped skin, and can be made in one all-purpose pan. Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is also the most exquisite, and is known in Persian culture to lift one’s spirit and treat depression. Here, combined with zingy lemon and paprika, it makes one happy dish.