Living in San Francisco, I have the fortune of collaborating with and learning from chefs from all over the world. I am reminded of how much there is to learn about ingredients, techniques, and time tested entertaining tips.
A new friend, Seti Shay, born and raised in Iran, recently introduced me to orange blossom water. It’s a scented water made by infusing distilled water with freshly picked orange flower blossoms.
Rose flavored things have never resonated with me (does anyone else feel like they’re chewing on their grandma’s perfume!?), but this is different. Seti describes the water as “heavenly and calming” and I couldn’t agree more. Also, there’s no added sugar, preservatives, or other weird stuff. This is the brand she likes. She also suggests putting a few drops in drinking water.
I asked Seti if she’d be willing to share a recipe involving the orange blossom water, and she whipped up the smoothie below. I often drink very green smoothies (spinach, coconut milk, chia, flax, coconut meat, lemon juice, and a few blueberries) so this flavor combination was a really nice change.
You can even put a bowl of the orange blossom water on your nightstand and I guarantee you’ll sleep like an angel.
Food La La Recipe: Seti’s Six Ingredient Smoothie
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 nectarine (or white peach), core removed, then fruit sliced
- 2 celery sticks, washed and trimmed
- 1 teaspoon chia seed
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom
- 2/3 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honeycomb
- Ice (optional)
Steps:
- Place almond milk, then chia seed in blender. Add other ingredients on top.
- Blend and serve!
Psst! A few recipe notes:
Note: If you buy your fruit from a local farmer’s market, you’ll notice a significant difference. Also, you can swap dates for honey, and cashew milk for almond milk if you prefer.
Meet Seti:
Salam! My love for cooking started at a young age in my motherland of Iran. I used to watch my mom cook for our family of six and endless more guests! She taught me to cook with passion and to educate myself about the healing power of food and herbs. To this day, healthy eating habits play an important role in my cooking and personal lifestyle.
My cooking is influenced by both my Persian roots and my international travels. I believe travel, people, and food open doors to different cultures and I feel lucky to experience that endless journey of discovery.
Living in San Francisco has been a fantastic experience. With a professional background in computer engineering and business, I’ve worked with high tech startups in the Bay Area, mainly dealing with technology gadgets like augmented reality glasses and product management. I also have extensive knowledge of branding and advertising from working and studying in Dubai, which also opened many doors for me to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
I’m excited above all to share the fruits of my global cooking adventures with you, including unique culinary gems of my beloved Iran.
Seti Shay
@setistable
Petite girl with a big appetite.
