Orange Flower Water, Cortas

The orange has a long history in many Mediterranean countries. So does orange flower water. It is distilled from bitter orange blossoms and used to flavor drinks, salads and desserts. Early on people discovered that the bitter orange blossoms when distilled would produce a liquid that can be enjoyed as is, or used in an abundance of desserts. In the U.S. one of its greatest uses was in a cooling cocktail, which seems to be enjoying a renaissance, Ramos Gin Fizz. In Morocco, a salad of grated carrots is moistened with olive oil and lemon juice, and then liberally doused with orange blossom water. It is finished off with toasted pine nuts and decorated with orange segments. Try it! Your guests will be forever trying to figure out the secret ingredient. The Cortas is a product of Lebanon.