Meatless Munchies - Saffron Rice w/ Mushrooms

So, a client of mine gave me a packet of real saffron. I'd never eaten it, cooked with it or, quite frankly, even heard of it before. Pulling up info on that source of sources - Wikipedia - I learned that it is:

The most expensive spice in the world - about $600 a pound
The stamens of the crocus flower grown around the Mediterranean
Hand picked (which is why it is so expensive)

The packet was about an eighth of a teaspoon - enough to season two servings of rice. I did look up to see that turmeric is often substituted and I've used that before.

Sliced up some regular button mushrooms and sauteed them a bit with some green onions. Added the rice, water, saffron, salt and pepper and simmered about 15 minutes. The rice turned an awesome yellow color and it was quite delicious. (The packet, by the way, was about $3). Not an everyday thing but something different and tasty to be sure.