Q.: I often see rose water listed as an ingredient in pastries in cookbooks. What is rose water and where can I find it?
— Robin Weber, Akron
A.: Rose water is just what it sounds like. It is a distillate of roses and water. It is frequently used in Middle Eastern cuisine for flavoring pastries or desserts and imparts a distinctive, slightly floral flavor to these sweets.
Look for it on the shelves of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean specialty markets. In Akron, you will find it at Sanabel Middle Eastern Bakery, 308 E. South St., or Vine Valley Mediterranean Market, 1450 N. Portage Path.
Got a food question? Lisa Abraham has the answer. Call 330-996-3737; email her at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com with “Ask Lisa” in the subject line; or write to her at 44 E. Exchange St., P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640. Please include your name (initials will be printed on request), hometown and phone number.
