Aromatherapy You Can Eat

A treat for vision, taste and olfactory senses ~ this is a delightful and simple indulgence.

You will simply need:

The sweetest, juiciest, deepest colored orange you can find

1 star anise

a little sugar or honey (optional)

a broiler

your favorite tea

Wash the orange and cut it in half, across the equator. With a small, sharp paring knife section the orange between the membrane (as you would a grapefruit half.)

Set orange upright on an oven-proof pan, sprinkle with sugar, or drizzle with honey if using.

Set the kettle to boil for your tea, preheat oven to broil, position rack close to the heat element.

Choose a perfect star anise, a pretty cup and plate.

Place the orange half, flesh side under the broiler and heat until the sections become juicy and bulge upwards a bit. While orange is broiling, prepare your tea.

Carefully remove orange from broiler and place on plate, immediately put the star anise on the hot orange, allowing the magical fragrance to develop.

Take your plate with tea to a comfy place, breathe in the heavenly fragrance while the orange cools a bit and enjoy.

A private, quiet luxury, costing only pennies.

Note: You can reserve the star anise when you are finished for use another time. Rinse it quickly in cool water. Allow it to air dry, wrap well and store in refrigerator or freezer.

* My personal favorite with this is Harney & Sons, Special Valentine's Blend of Chocolate Tea with Rosebuds.