One of my favourite infusions is a delicate combination of cinnamon, cardamom and saffron*. Sitting with a cup of this drink warming your hands makes you want to stop the hectic activities of your day and sit back and enjoy a glass of this honey coloured liquid.  Let’s call it Kashmir Infusion. I have made it on numerous occasions after my return from India and every time the delicate flavour and beautiful colours of the drink help me unwind and enjoy the beauty of this aromatic and warming potion.

Start by putting a pot of water on to boil with some cinnamon bark and a few crushed cardamom pods. Once boiling, let it sit on a gentle fire to infuse with the warmth of cinnamon and aromatic floral flavours of cardamom. After a few minutes take the pot off the heat and add a few striking red strands of saffron, which gives this infusion such a beautiful golden hue and earthy notes. After you let the saffron sit in the drink for a few minutes, bleeding its golden colour, poor it into a teapot and serve. Sit back and enjoy the magic of this humble, yet so satisfying, drink that helps you slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

* Saffron, a striking red spice derived from a flower, is known to help improve digestion as a result of improving circulation to the organs of digestion. It coats the membranes of stomach and colon which help in soothing gastrointestinal colic and acidity. As a result, this drink is often offered in India following a hearty meal.