Osfor

Saffron for Scrooges

by Devra First

NOSHING & SIPPING

Penny-pinching chefs pining for paella will love osfor. This pseudo-saffron imparts the same golden glow to food as the real McCoy, but costs only around $12 per pound. (High-quality saffron threads can run you $35 to $45 an ounce.) Gastronomes won't be fooled -- osfor doesn't yield the same quality of taste and fragrance as saffron does -- but true cheapskates will be gloating all the way to the table. You can find this spice at many Middle Eastern markets; Massis Bakery in Watertown always has it in stock.

Massis Bakery, located at 569 Mount Auburn Street, in Watertown, is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (617) 924-0537.

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