2 teaspoons saffron threads
1 tablespoon hot water
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
300g shallots, peeled, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups (500ml) dry white wine
4kg black mussels, scrubbed, bearded
1 1/4 cups (310ml) thin cream
1/2 cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley