Saffron & Cardamom Crème Caramel with Butter Cookies

Chilled creamy custards, milk puddings and rice puddings are wonderful - the Persians invented some of them, the Arabs loved them and the Ottomans refined them. Some are deeply traditional; others have a modern twist, as here. Served with the rich, buttery cookies, ghoriba, it is heavenly. The cookies can also be scented with rose water or vanilla and are delicious served with tea.