Search

RSS Feed Facebook Flickr Twitter

April Showers Bring May Flowers, Part II

Season Eight, Spring 2009

April Showers Bring May Flowers, Part II

This week we meet Michael Orkin down in Miami. Michael's company, Big Magic Ocean, produces hydrosols and essential oils from flowers, roots, and fruits. Angela Garcia, the Chef of Lovely Daze Dessert Bar, uses his essential oils in her macarons. Learn how to take your cooking to the next level using floral waters and oils.

Tasty Tip

Rose Petals are used to make a delightfully sweet jam in the Middle East. Make your own "Rose Petal Ice Cream" by mixing softened vanilla ice cream or gelato with a few tablespoons of rose petal jam and fresh organic petals. Freeze for 1/2 an hour, then add a few tablespoons of coffee liquer. Garnish with more fresh petals.

May 22, 2009   |   1 comments
Tags: Desserts, Middle East and North Africa
Cooking Show Photo

Michael Orkin's mother is a baker, and used to sell these Rose, Lavender, and Neroli cupcakes. Aren't they lovely?

May 20, 2009   |   2 comments
Tags: 
Recipe

These burgers are Michael Orkin's specialty. He adds Basil, Sage, and Rosemary oil to the beef, as well as lots of chopped fresh herbs. The essential oils love to be combined with other fats, and don't lose their flavor when they are cooked. These burgers can be made much smaller, but there is something great about a big juicy burger!

1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
Dash of Tabasco
Dash of apple cider vinegar
Dash of tamari
Sprinkle of Celtic Sea Salt
Smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly picked rosemary and marjoram
Lug of olive oil
2 drops of Basil, Sage, and Rosemary essential oils (optional and ethereal)
2 hamburger buns
Sliced cheddar cheese

Mix all of the ingredients together and grill until cooked according to your liking.

Serves 2.

These juicy burgers are made with lots of Love. Michael adds tons of fresh herbs from his garden and a few drops of rosemary, sage, and basil oil to the ground beef. They are flavorful and earthy; you will never eat a burger without herbs after you try this!
May 20, 2009   |   0 comments
Tags: Entrees, Meat, Miami recipes
Tasty Tip

If you do not want to order flower waters, stick to the more common Rose and Orange Blossom Waters. In the Middle East and North Africa, these floral waters are used in many desserts as well as some savory dishes. They are mood enhancing and therapeutic, and have the power to elevate an ordinary dish into something divine. Try our Rose Mint Soda or Orange Blossom Creme Brulees.

Cooking Show Video

Michael Orkin shares his recipe for Clove Ginger Soda using flower waters. He sweetens the drink with yuzu-infused maple syrup and sparkles it up with San Pellegrino. Watch and learn the technique, and then make your own concoction. You can buy floral waters (hydrosols) from Big Magic Ocean and well-stocked health foods stores. You can also stick to the Middle Eastern basics of Rose Water and Orange Blossom water, both of which are available now in most supermarkets.

Get recipe: Clove Ginger Ale
May 19, 2009   |   2 comments
Tags: Drinks
Cooking Show Video

Michael Orkin's company Big Magic Ocean, creates hydrosols from flowers, fruits, and roots. Hydrosols are floral distilled waters, which are breathtakingly aromatic and therapeutic. We were excited to meet Michael and learn that cooking with floral waters can create an entirely new, and very visceral eating experience. This Spring, while everything is in bloom, take your cooking to the next level by using flower waters and essences in your recipes. They truly have wonderful affects on our bodies and minds.

May 19, 2009   |   0 comments
Tags: 
Cooking Show Video

Miami-based pastry Chef Angela Garcia teaches us how to make Rose Petal Macarons. You can find an array of her delicious macarons at La Gelateria Parmalat on Lincoln Road in South Beach, but these Rose Petal Macarons are available by special order only. We are delighted to have her share the recipe with our viewers. They are incredibly aromatic and elegant, and make a memorable dessert to serve at a special event. You can purchase rose oil through Big Magic Ocean, or other health food stores that carry essential oils.

Get recipe: Rose Petal Macarons
May 19, 2009   |   1 comments
Tags: