Potent things come in small packages.
The lady at the counter was cleaning gai-lan shoots, with their buds, when I arrived one morning; on Friday, she noted, they carry much more produce from a local farmer's market. The primly stocked shelves left ample room for a Laotian souvenir section, but I found my own take-home gift amid the seasonings.
Back home in New York, I found that a few drops of Maesri brand essence of mangdana (0.1 fl. oz.; $1.50), from Thailand, added a light citrus note to my Junket. To be sure, this is an artificial essence, and while the real thing has a fragrance and a flavor that may remind you of anise, or apples, or even preserved pears, it's a pain to "filet" true mangdana.
Thailao Market
1081 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, California
707-570-0331
