Tomato Aspic with Saffron Cream

The tomato base of this gel is seasoned with lemon zest and herbes de Provence and then poured into a flat dish to set. It is served in the dish, covered with a layer of saffron-flavored sour cream flecked with the purple bracts and leaves of basil, chives, and their blossoms. Actually, the sour cream covering serves as a blank piece of paper. There is no end to the fanciful designs and decorations that can be made with thinly sliced vegetables and delicate blossoms.

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