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The Intentional Pantry

Leah Sugar

For those of us who are organization obsessed there is nothing better than the feeling of looking at a recently decluttered, tidily arranged space. However, you may have noticed that even after decluttering and perfectly organizing, you feel that it won't last, or that things still aren't quite right. That unsettled feeling has been creeping into my home lately and I simply couldn't figure out what was wrong-- until I remembered the words of Marie Kondo-- its not about the things you are getting rid of, but about the things you are keeping.  So, when I recently decided to declutter...

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Max's Spiced Cocoa Mix

Max Osterhaus

This cocoa mix is inspired by traditional Oaxacan spiced cocoa, but with a few modifications to add some variety and make it easier to throw together. The type of cocoa will have a big impact on the final flavor and consistency, so choose wisely (or use whatever you have in the house!). I like to use 75% Ghiradelli cocoa and 25% Black or "Dutch Processed" cocoa which gives a more pudding-like flavor and a darker color. Mix together in a quart-size Mason Jar: 1 cup   Cocoa Powder 1.5 cups   Sugar (Organic sugar tends to have a better flavor) 2 t  ...

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Cleaning your AllSpice Rack

Max Osterhaus
If you’ve had an AllSpice rack in your kitchen for some time, it probably has more “memories of meals past” than you’d like. With these steps you can have it shining like the day you bought it!
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Top 12 Japanese Spices You Should Know!

Top 12 Japanese Spices You Should Know!

Max Osterhaus

Japanese cooking can be a daunting enterprise for a western cook with its exotic array of ingredients, methods, and tools. We can’t explain all of that today, but we can give you a crash course on the top 12 flavors you should definitely know to get started! Dry Ingredients To our dismay, you are unlikely to find a spice rack in a traditional Japanese kitchen. Japanese chefs use very few dried herbs or spices, instead developing flavors from fresh ingredients, seaweeds, pastes, and liquid condiments. That being said, there are a few critical dried materials that have become essential to...

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Freshen your spice rack for spring!

Leah Sugar

  Step 1- Gather all of your spices in one place. Don't forget about bulk bags and spices stored in the refrigerator or freezer Step 2- Purge any spices that are expired or that you no longer use. Don't feel guilty about throwing things out, it just makes room for new spices!Step 3- Wipe down your jars, lids and spice rack frame. Use a damp washcloth with a small bit of mild soap for grease.Step 4- Refill any jars that are low or empty. The AllSpice Spice Funnel will make this quick and easy. Step 5- Replace spices in a logical order.Most people alphabetize their...

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Spice Profile: Gumbo File

Spice Profile: Gumbo File

Leah Sugar

Spice Profile: Gumbo File Sassafras albidum What is Gumbo File? Gumbo File is the dried and ground leaf of the North American Sassafras tree. It is used as an herb in Creole cooking. How Can I Use Gumbo File? Gumbo File is used in one specific dish, Gumbo. It is used as both a thickener and as a seasoning. What is the History of Gumbo File? Sassafras leaves were first used as a seasoning by the Choctaw indians in the American South. Its use in gumbo dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. How to Grow and Plant Gumbo File Sassafras trees are native to...

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