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Maureen,
You are totally brilliant. I never heard of Cafe Blanc, BUT, could never get enough of mazaher (just the aroma once a year when my Mother made batlawa (sp?) and could never get enough of Labne (now thanks to Sunflower markets here in NM and AZ, I can have labne anytime–not quite the same as my mother’s labor intensive/days version, but good enough for the moment. I have been drinking hot water with local raw honey for the past week–NOW to make Cafe Blanc!!!
Blessings to you always dear, sweet Maureen!
We are soul sistas, Diane, that we both drink honey water and find it so good. This drink is addictive for devotees of mazaher, like you and me! And your mother’s labne…I’d love some right now, on toast.
Oh, and by the way, the apricots and pistachios are a divine combo. Always love your pictures.
Soooo gooood!
Your writing and pictures must be inspired by your ability to tap into the humaness of all. The opening sentence is both savory, revealing, funny and resonating. Thank you for all your contributions, very inspiring.
I am honored by your comment. Thank you so much.
I had not heard of Mazahar in hot water, with honey. Going to try it though…I have used Mazahar in Lemonade during the summer days. Love the flavor, smell and now will make Cafe Blanc. Thanks for your always inspiring stories.
I bet mazaher is delicious in lemonade too…..thanks Janet. Hope you are enjoying the sunny south–it’s freezing up north!!
I love it, Maureen! Never heard of Mazahar or Cafe Blanc, but years ago I used to work with a girl who always had two cups of boiled water with just lemons in it. No tea, coffee, etc. And I love something hot to sip… more of a tea drinker, definitely not coffee. Plus must wean myself off the Diet Pepsi (I know, I know). So I will go hunting for Mazahar. And dried apricots. Pronto. And I will share this with my cousin, who thinks she is more Lebanese than me. haha. By the way, your photos are gorgeous, as is your writing. I love the way your story unfolds, like little snacks. A thought and a photo. Another thought and a photo. So yummy!
That is great Kat, and thank you for your wonderful encouragement. I love the idea of paragraphs as little snacks!!! Mazaher is at most Middle Eastern shops and some supermarkets, but the French orange blossom water in some groceries is unnecessarily pricey and comes in a tiny bottle. Once you start on this you won’t even miss your Diet Pepsi……
Maureen – this is one of my favorites!! I discovered it when Brett & I were in Lebanon in 2006. It is great on a cold day.
How cool Holly!!! Great to hear from you!
ahh something new to prepare , smell and taste. How sweet my kitchen will smell. How warm and comforting I will be in about 5 minutes.
Thank you again Maureen !
Mmmmmyesss!!
Great ideas, I wonder how rose water would substitute for the Mazahar?
I didn’t read well enough the first time through, didn’t know what it was, the bottle of orange water had mymoune on the label it, but that wasn’t even close to Mazahar. So I used Wikipedia and it didn’t make a note of flavoring or orange water. So I Wikipedia’d orange water and it didn’t mention Mazahar. I finally looked over your article again, sure enough you mentioned both in the same line. I am used to pistachios with my vodka drink before dinner and have used orange bitters with the vodka (mostly because Ross’ had a bottle on clearance) but never thought of orange water! As for apricots…..well I am sure they are good for you.
Keep up the great articles, your emails are one of the few that I have not “filtered” into an obscure folder (like the airlines, car rental companies and bank notices). I see them in my inbox and enjoy reading them.
best, Jerry Wakeen
Jerry, I’m so happy to hear that you are reading and enjoying. Thank you for taking the time for that and to comment. Rose water is also delicious in this drink but it’s much more floral to my palate than the orange blossom water, and therefore it can taste perfumey. A very tiny bit goes a loooooong way. I find myself the mazaher to be just the ticket, especially since it’s what we’ve always used in the baklawa, so drinking it hints of baklawa, and I love that! I like the idea of these fragrant waters in cocktails. I will try with vodka (my poison of choice too).
I am compelled to share this with you Maureen,
After I shared my new found obsession of cafe’ blanc at work, it was decided that next week on Saturday I would bring in all the fixings and Abby would bring in something sweet. We will toast you ,that day .
Lucy, how neat!! I’m honored…and wish I could be there to share a cup and a chat with all of you. My best to everyone there!
Mmmmmm…I’m on my way to the kitchen now. I have some wonderful honey from my Uncle and I can’t wait to use it. Thanks!
Enjoy!
I just saw this on Healthy Aperture, and it sounds delightful! Fortunately I can tolerate a little affeine, and have my morning coffee, mid-morning Green Tea, and afternoon Holy Basil tea on a regular line up. The orange blossom water sounds lovely, and especially delightful when paired with the pistachios and apricots!
Hi Spicy! So glad to see you here and to know that you saw the cafe blanc on Healthy Aperture. Your Holy Basil tea sounds wonderful too!! Thanks for your comment and hope to see you back.