Nabat

Step 1: Dip 6 lengths of 6 clean cotton string and wooden skewers in water, roll them in 2 tbsp of the 1 oz white sugar and leave to dry for 1 hour. Tie each to a skewer so it hangs into a tall, clean glass jar without touching the sides or base.

Step 2: Put the remaining 1 ¼ lb white sugar and 1 cup water in a pan over a medium heat and stir until completely dissolved, then add the ½ tsp lemon juice and boil gently for 5 minutes to 225°F, until the syrup is thick and clear.

Step 3: Stir in the ½ tsp saffron threads, take off the heat and cool for 15 minutes, until warm rather than hot.

Step 4: Pour the syrup into the jar, lower in the strings and cover the top loosely with paper. Put it somewhere warm and still where it won't be touched.

Step 5: Leave for 2–3 days, without moving the jar, until thick golden crystals have grown along the strings. Lift out, let drain over the jar, then dry on a rack for a day. Store in a dry jar; stir a stick into hot tea.