When nothing else subsists from the past, after people are dead, after the things are broken and scattered, the smell and taste of things remain poised a long time, like souls bearing resiliently, on tiny and almost impalpable drops of their essence,the immense edifice of memory. Marcel Proust

Do certain smells have the ability to transport you, as they do me, to a place or a time, bringing back a memory so intense you feel as though you’re reliving the moment?

…the scent of your lover’s cologne lingering on your skin

…the steamy aroma of black, French press coffee, wafting from a nearby cafe

…the heady smell of salty ocean air

A familiar scent can make me laugh, or cry, or feel sentimental. It can bring about memories of tearful goodbyes or last kisses. Of balmy summer evenings spent gazing up at the stars. Of fragrant jasmine blooms that only flower at night lining the walk way to our exotic Balinese villa.

Every time I make Jasmine Iced Tea, and I pour the hot water over the loose tea leaves, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and I’m carried back to a far off land where the sun is endless, I can always hear the roar of the ocean, and jasmine flowers adorn my hair. The promise of another idyllic day spent under the heat of the sun, the promise of another steamy night…

Ahhhh…the scent of paradise…

Ginger & Mint Jasmine Iced Tea

Inspired by Le Jardin, Seminyak

1- 1/2 Tbsp Jasmine tea

4 Slices of fresh ginger, peeled

1 Lime, sliced

4 C. Boiled water

6-8 Mint leaves

Steep fives minutes then strain and cool.

Serve over ice with desired amount of simple syrup. Garnish with mint springs, a lime wedge, and a piece of ginger.

Notes:

• Be sure to let the water cool 2 minutes after boiling so as not to scald the tea.
• Steeping time might vary depending on type of tea. I use a black jasmine tea.
• Simple syrup: bring to a boil 1 C sugar with 1 C water until sugar is dissolved. Stores well in the fridge.