Ceremonial Coffee

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A specialty & tradition in the Arab culture

WARNING: ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED FOR
THIS ACTIVITY BECAUSE BOILING WATER IS USED!

Ingredients:

* fresh ground coffee
* ground cardamom (found in all Arab food)
* saffron (stigma from a crocus plant)
* hot water (boiled for 10 minutes)
* dates (the best ones are found in Oman)

Instructions:

1. Boil the water for 10 minutes.
2. Add the ground coffee, cardamom and saffron. The amounts you add should be according to how it tastes and looks.
3. Do not strain. The coffee grounds will settle on the bottom.
4. Pour 1/3 Cup into your coffee cup. Drink the coffee along with eating the dates.

Points to remember:

* guests must be served first
* cups are always held in the right hand
* tea is poured with the left hand
* dates are eaten with the tea to balance the bitter taste with sweet