Waking up on the Armenian monastery of the Island of San Lazzaro, floating in the mist of the Venetian lagoon, is like waking into a dream itself. Water softly laps around the edges of the monastery and that is about all you can hear except for the occasional speed boat on its way to the Lido. Here the monks supply bread, butter and a deep pink jar of their infamous rose petal jam. Eating roses for breakfast, what an intoxicating, exotic, beautiful and romantic way to start the day.

You can close your eyes and transport yourself to Venice by biting into your own rose petal jam spread on a morning scone, topping your favorite pancakes or adding a thin layer on a crisp piece of toast.  You may need to raid your Grandmothers garden for the heavily scented variety – we use Blackberry Nip.

“Never eat more than you can lift”

Miss Piggy